The National Press Club (NPC) today said it was highly disturbed by the attacks on journalists, photographers and cameramen during Saturday’s rally in the federal capital.

NPC president Mokhtar Hussain said the organisation was concerned over allegations of manhandling, beatings and attacks on pressmen by both the protesters and police.

“Notwithstanding the conflicting accounts of how they were attacked or by whom, an impartial investigation by the authorities on the attacks on journalists is very much welcomed,” he said in a statement today.

Noting that the police could say that they were rightfully carrying out their duties and the protesters could say that they had the right to demonstrate peacefully, Mokhtar said journalists should be allowed to cover such events without fear or favour.

The opposition-backed demonstration ended in chaos after protesters crossed police barricades and the authorities retaliated with baton charges, water cannons and tear gas.

NONE Several journalists were injured, with some receiving injuries serious enough to require stitches and hospitalisation. They also suffered damage to their equipment.

“We’re alarmed and sad to see journalists being attacked by all sides in the event. The attacks should not have happened,” Mokhtar said.

He said the perpetrators should be ashamed of themselves as they should have known how to react in a highly charged situation.

“These situations have an impact not only on the physical well-being of journalists but also on the fundamental values of democracy that are inherent in journalism, the right to varied and diverse sources of information, and the coverage of newsworthy events,” he added.

The Women Journalists Association of Malaysia (Pertama) has also expressed concern over attacks on media personnel during last Saturday’s rally and on other occasions while on assignments, as there would also be many female members of the media on duty.

“All quarters must refrain from obstructing journalists and photographers or from attacking them as they are only carrying out their duties in recording events,” said its president, Muharyani Othman.

- Bernama