The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has urged police to take action against a man who attacked freelance videographer Lutin Ahmad on Monday.

 

"The said assault is not just an attack on Lutin but also constitutes an assault against media freedom," CIJ said in a statement yesterday.

 

This was echoed by media rights’ group Gerakan Media Marah (Geramm) spokesperson Alyaa Alhadjri, who also wants the Customs Department to probe the matter if the incident involved its personnel. 

 

"The case on trial is one that involves high-ranking public officials so it is one of significant public interest," she said.

 

In the incident on Monday, Lutin, a stringer for RTM, was taking footage of five senior customs officers who were charged with graft outside a courtroom at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.

 

A man, who was escorting the accused and tried to shield them from the journalists covering the court case, suddenly attacked Lutin, hitting and kicking him.

Soon after, the man tried to attack the videographer again, but he was stopped by other media personnel.

 

Lutin, who sustained some injuries and damage to his equipment, lodged a police report today.                         

 

Violence not the way

 

This is the third reported assault on media personnel this year.

 

In July, two relatives of a woman sentenced to death for drug trafficking pleaded guilty to attacking an Utusan Malaysia photographer at the Kota Bharu courthouse.

 

Similarly, a News Straits Times photographer was beaten during an MH17 funeral service earlier this month, after allegedly ignoring the family's request for privacy .

 

CIJ condemned the use of violence to deal with media, including those who are deemed to overstep the bounds of privacy.

 

"Even if members of the public are of the view that journalists are not treating their subjects with respect and dignity, violence can never be resorted to in dealing with the media," it said.

 

The press watchdog group added that the media must be allowed to perform their duties unhindered without fearing for their safety.