MFWA Protests Harrassment Of Journalists

By Times Reporter
Monday, 06 November 2006
The Accra-based Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has protested against the intimidation and harassment of a group of journalists covering the trial of suspected narcotic drugs dealers by sympathizers of the accused persons.
"Such practices undermine democracy, restrict editorial independence and deny the public access to information by way of photographic images," it said.
A statement signed by Professor Kwame Karikari, Executive Director of the Foundation, noted that more than six journalists have been victims of attacks, intimidation and harassment in the wake of cocaine scandals that have rocked the country recently.
The MFWA is concerned about the persistent violations of the freedom of expression and rights of journalists by sympathizers of suspected drug dealers," the statement said, and reiterated the call on the security agencies to deal ruthlessly with such people.
"To let such acts of criminality pass could give free rein to impunity by non-state actors," it said.
On November 2, a group of journalists covering the trial of suspected drug criminals in an Accra regional tribunal were threatened and insulted by sympathizers of the suspects.
The statement said Florence Gbolu of an Accra based daily newspaper told the MFWA’s correspondent that the assailants charged on them when some of the reporters took shots of the accused persons outside after the court session.
The journalist said the angry looking assailants including six well-built men ordered them to surrender their cameras.
The statement said the action of the assailants attracted a large crowd that caught the attention of court officials including a high court judge and police officers.
"A police officer came to our rescue and escorted us to one of the empty courtrooms for a few minutes, before a high court judge escorted us out of the court premises," Gbolu was quoted as saying.