JournalismPakistan.com | Published April 02, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channelSeveral journalists were attacked outside a court in West Jakarta by a gang leader on March 27, 2019.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) have condemned the assault on journalists and urged the authorities to prosecute the perpetrator.
The gang leader, Hercules Rosario Marshal, was in court in West Jakarta. When he arrived, he stepped out of the car where waiting media met him. Hercules immediately started verbally and physically assaulting the press before he was taken to a holding room. As photographers tried to take his photo, he was chased, and the rest of the media fled the scene.
FS, an online journalist who did not want to disclose his name due to safety concerns, was recording the video when the incident happened. He tried to escape but got trapped between parked cars. FS was punched in the face by Hercules which caused swelling and bruising.
FS noted that he did not see any police officers on guard at the location. Hercules later published an online video and issued an apology. He said he was too emotional because of the verdict.
AJI said assault on the media is a violation of the press laws which guarantee legal protection for journalists as they do their jobs. “We urge the police to prosecute Hercules as the perpetrator and bring him to court and sentence a punishment as heavy as possible as a deterrent effect to stop the attacks of journalists in the future,” AJI added.
In Indonesia, journalists are a target for attacks and physical harassment. All the cases of violence and abuse against journalist reported in Jakarta remain unsolved.
The IFJ said: “The local authorities in West Jakarta failed to ensure the protection and safety of journalists. We again remind all parties in Indonesia that protection of journalists whilst they are on duty is stated under the Press Law. Aside of that, we stand with AJI to urge the authorities to take action and bring perpetrators to justice.” – IFJ media release/Photo: Tribun Kaltim
November 08, 2024: The National Assembly of Pakistan has banned all video recording within Parliament House, citing privacy concerns raised by lawmakers over journalists’ interviews being posted on social media without consent. Violators may face confiscation of devices and restricted access.
November 08, 2024: Pakistani journalist Moeed Pirzada, living in exile, criticizes TV anchor Asma Shirazi for enthusiastically supporting the deportation of Pakistanis in the UK who protested against former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Esa, accusing her of disregarding democracy and free speech.
November 06, 2024: Geo News' coverage of the US elections took an unusual turn when the mention of Imran Khan was silenced on air. A "technical fault" muted Donald Trump’s remarks as he reportedly discussed the former Pakistani PM.
November 04, 2024: Journalist Asad Ali Toor has challenged Pakistan's investigative journalists, calling them "touts of the establishment," to cover the recent kidnapping of Imran Khan's lawyer, Intizar Hussain Panjutha, who was found beaten and tortured. In a widely circulated video, Toor questioned their integrity and called for unbiased investigation into the case.
November 04, 2024: The Nation has removed a story on US Congress members supporting Imran Khan's release after editor Salman Masood denied involvement. The story sparked a debate over editorial oversight and accusations of conspiratorial narratives.
November 02, 2024: On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Pakistan’s Daily Dawn urges the state to take decisive action to protect journalists and ensure accountability, citing threats in Gaza, Pakistan, and beyond where media professionals face unprecedented risks.
October 28, 2024: A former reporter of The Nation appeals to New York Times Chairman A.G. Sulzberger, urging reconsideration of their publishing partnership over alleged unpaid salaries at the Pakistani newspaper.
October 28, 2024: Correction issued on reports that Justice Qazi Faez Isa was the first Pakistani bencher at the Middle Temple. Lawyer Abuzar Niazi clarifies that Justice Ayesha Malik holds the honor.
November 04, 2024 The James B. Steele Fellowship in Investigative Business Journalism offers aspiring journalists comprehensive training and a master's degree from the Cronkite School to develop skills in holding corporations accountable and delivering essential news to the public.
November 01, 2024 Duong Van Thai, an independent Vietnamese blogger who went missing in Thailand, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on anti-state charges. CPJ condemns the harsh sentence, urging his immediate release and the Vietnamese state to end its crackdown on press freedom.
November 01, 2024 The tragic killing of journalist Patricia Ramírez Gonzalez marks the second journalist murdered within 24 hours in Colima, Mexico, spotlighting urgent concerns over press safety in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
October 31, 2024 Tarbell Grants offer awards of $1,000 to $15,000 for journalists covering artificial intelligence. These grants support investigative and explanatory stories on AI’s impacts, company practices, and policy lobbying efforts. Apply now to make a difference in AI accountability.
October 28, 2024 UNESCO's latest report highlights the misuse of financial laws to silence journalists, with findings showing a sharp rise in financial crime allegations against journalists globally. This growing trend poses serious threats to press freedom and media independence.