By Vera E. Abah
AN ABUJA-BASED media rights, free and independent media advocacy organisation, Safer-Media Initiative (SMI), has condemned in strong terms reported brutality of police personnel against journalists in their coverage of the ongoing nationwide EndBadGovernance protest, also popularly called hunger protests.
Media reports indicate that many journalists have been targeted and subjected to tear gas attacks, intimidation, and arrests by the police, a situation SMI said is a “flagrant disregard for the safety and rights of media professionals” and “an affront to press freedom and democracy.”
“Journalists play a crucial role in society,” SMI said in a statement on Saturday, adding that journalists provide “necessary information and ensuring transparency, especially during times of civil unrest.”
The statement, signed by Mr Peter Iorter, SMI’s Executive Director/CEO, and made available to National Record, said targeting journalists jeopardises their safety as well as threatens the public’s right to be informed adding that “such actions undermine the fundamental principles of a free and independent press, which are essential to a functioning democracy.”
SMI therefore called on the Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies to among other things, immediately stop any form of aggression towards journalists covering the protests; guarantee the safety and protection of journalists and uphold their rights to report freely without fear of violence or intimidation; initiate an independent investigation into the incidents of police aggression against journalists and hold those responsible accountable; and publicly reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring a safe environment for journalists to perform their duties.
It added: “Safer-Media Initiative stands in solidarity with our colleagues who have been affected by these recent events. We call upon international bodies, human rights organisations, and the global community to join us in condemning these actions and advocating for the protection of journalists in Nigeria.
“In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to support and defend the principles of free and independent journalism. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of media professionals and ensuring they can work without fear of violence or repression.
SMI provides strong advocacy for the independent media, empowering journalists to conduct their craft with up-to-date skills and relative safety, and also champions ethical, data-driven, and in-depth journalism that drives the vision of social justice, good governance, and accountability in the defence of the public interest.
