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Institute of Journalists condemns violent assaults
By MaltaMedia News
Jul 15, 2008 - 7:13:01 PM
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The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has condemned the violent assaults on various members of the media corps who were doing their jobs during the strike by the Transport Federation yesterday.
In one incident, NET TV cameramen Joe Francalanza was punched in the face as he filmed drivers trying to smash a coach which was picking up tourists, while a PBS cameramen was also physically assaulted while filming incidents at Floriana.
IĠM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi called on the police and the authorities to provide protection for journalists who are doing their jobs without fear or favour. "Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Maltese journalists are assaulted while doing their duty in what has become a catalogue of shame over the past few years.
"We strongly urge the police to investigate all those who were responsible for this aggression against members of the media and call on them to bring the perpetrators to justice in the shortest possible time," Naudi insisted.
The IĠM Council noted that one of the fundamental rights in a democratic society such as Malta was the gathering and dissemination of information. "We strongly urge the Transport Federation and its members not to interfere with this fundamental right for all the citizens of this country and to realise that Malta is now part of the European Union – with all the rights and responsibilities that this brings," Naudi insisted.
The IĠM Council also offers its solidarity to the victims of this violence and urges all members of the media to stand united and look out for their fellow professionals in these deplorable circumstances.
© Copyright 2008 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
Jul 16, 2008 - 4:59:06 PM CET
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