IFJ condemns intimidation of journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 7 July 2012

The International Federation of Journalists and the Pacific Freedom Forum condemned threats against staff at Papua New Guinea’s National Broadcaster in East Sepik. A mob led by Governor Peter Wararau Waranaka allegedly confronted and abused journalists following a report on a petition alleging fiscal and official misconduct.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its partner the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) in condemning the threats and intimidation directed towards newsroom staff at the East Sepik office of Papua New Guinea’s National Broadcaster, NBC.

According to a PFF report, on Wednesday July 4, NBC staff were confronted by an angry mob led by East Sepik Governor and Member for Yangoru/Saussia, Peter Wararau Waranaka.

The Governor, his driver and a group of supporters converged on the NBC East Sepik broadcast compound, where they singled out, abused and threatened radio journalist Greogry Pegines, station manager Anna Klawe and other news journalists.

The incident came a day after Pegines filed a report about a petition that had been signed by 12 candidates in the East Sepik province, listing allegations of fiscal and official abuse of position.

Pegines says he had been invited to meet with the governor since the incident, but was again verbally abused.

“Intimidation and threats against journalists are incompatible with democracy and a free press”, IFJ Asia-Pacific said.

“We urge anyone with a grievance against the media to raise their concerns in a productive non-violent manner. Good quality journalism is not achieved by threatening the safety of those delivering the news”. - IFJ
 

KEY POINTS:

• IFJ and PFF condemned intimidation of NBC East Sepik newsroom staff in Papua New Guinea.
• A group led by East Sepik Governor Peter Wararau Waranaka allegedly confronted and threatened journalists at the broadcast compound.
• Radio journalist Gregory Pegines and station manager Anna Klawe were singled out and verbally abused, according to PFF.
• The confrontation followed Pegines’ report on a petition by 12 candidates alleging fiscal and official abuse of position.
• IFJ said threats against journalists are incompatible with democracy and urged non-violent, constructive complaints.