The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global organisation representing over 500,000 journalists worldwide, today condemned the assault on a journalist with the Pos Kupang newspaper daily by an East Nusa Tenggara provincial councilor.
“Physical violence and intimidation of journalist is unacceptable under any circumstances,“ said IFJ President Christopher Warren today.
On 13 July, John Oga, a member of the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Council, physically assaulted journalist Benny Djahang in front of assembled councilors and journalists attending a plenary session in the council building. The Jakarta Post reported that Djahang was poked and throttled by Oga, and suffered reddening and bruising to his neck.
The attack was in response to a story reported by Djahang detailing the arrest of Oga, two fellow councilors and 21 civil servants on Saturday 10 July during a joint police and military raid. The story featured under the headline, “Three councilors and 21 civil servants arrested by security personnel: JO hiding in toilets.” All were released shortly after being arrested.
“It is unacceptable for politicians to attempt to intimidate journalists into compliance, violence is not an acceptable avenue for recourse- it is time that politicians, community groups and the general public understood that, ” said Warren today.
For more information please contact Christopher Warren +61 (0)411 757 668
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries
