Protest against baton-charge of media men

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 May 2012 |  Zeeshan Yousafzai

People in Charsadda protested alleged police highhandedness after journalists were injured during a baton-charge at a load-shedding protest. Demonstrators demanded FIRs against the officers involved and warned of a sit-in outside the Inspector General’s office if action is not taken.

Summary

CHARSADDA: People from different walks of life have protested police highhandedness against journalists in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district of Charsadda. Last week police baton-charged a mob protesting power load-shedding that left two media persons covering the event injured. Those injured were Siraj Ali, a cameraman of Geo TV and reporter Sher Ali Khan who works for NewsOne channel. The protesters Saturday called for registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against cops who beat up media men and others. Comprising political activists, lawyers and representatives of various organizations, the protesters started their march from Charsadda Press Club. The march turned into a big rally at Farooq Azam Chowk. The participants chanted slogans against police for abusing power. They demanded immediate action against those involved in the incident and threatened to stage a sit-in in front of the Inspector General’s office Monday if their demands were not met.

KEY POINTS:

• Police baton-charged a crowd protesting power load-shedding, injuring two media workers.
• The injured were Geo TV cameraman Siraj Ali and NewsOne reporter Sher Ali Khan.
• Protesters marched from Charsadda Press Club and rallied at Farooq Azam Chowk.
• Participants demanded FIR registration and immediate action against the police personnel involved.
• Protesters threatened a sit-in outside the Inspector General’s office if demands were not met.