Association of Journalists of Macedonia strongly condemns violence against journalists by police and violent protestors in Skopje.
“Violence against journalists is unacceptable and is a direct attack on freedom of the media and the public’s right to be informed about events of public interest. It is striking for Macedonian democracy when police is beating journalists at protests, rather than to provide conditions for their uninterrupted working. To take civil discontent on protest out on journalists is an act of cowardice and primitivism. We ask MOI, Prosecution and the courts to find and punish abusers. If these attacks are not quickly resolved, the public will suspect that institutions knowingly tolerate violence against journalists,” reads the statement of AJM.
We warn, reads the statement further, that such irresponsible behavior of institutions can encourage even more serious attacks against journalists with tragic consequences.
“We invite the media to cover protests with experienced and trained journalists, clearly marked with the required cards. When following violent protests, journalists, above all, should take account of their own safety and to avoid moving between protesters and police,” reads the statement.
