NUJ wants an independent committee to probe assault on journalists
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the government to set up an independent committee to investigate the alleged police assault on journalists during the opposition-backed rally last Saturday.
The union in a statement here Tuesday said the committee should take over the investigation as the assault involved police.
“That journalists, including those from the foreign media, were beaten up while carrying out their duties is a serious allegation and against the principles of democracy and liberty of journalists to perform their job in a peaceful environment,” it said.
The statement further suggested a committee led by at least three members comprising a retired judge, a former Bar council president and an academic expert in journalism and media law.
“Let the committee summon the police personnel involved and the journalists and photographers for their statements so the public will know what happened during the rally.
The union hopes the outcome of the investigation will serve to prevent similar incidents in future,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Young Journalists Club condemned the hostility and rioting by the rally participants, describing them as going overboard and acting in an uncivilised way to the point of breaching the law.
“The club also regrets that two journalists were injured while carrying out their professional duties and hope the authorities will take firm action against members of the organisers who were responsible.
“We also appreciate that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar had visited the injured victims and gave their assurance that an investigation will be carried out,” it said.
- The Star
