IĠM Urges Police To Take Action Against Aggressors Harassing Journalists Outside Court
The Istitut tal-Ġurnalisti Maltin (IĠM) has urged the police to take criminal action against aggressors who harrassed journalists while reporting outside of court.
“The IĠM is aware of an incident where two journalists and a cameraman were filmed and threatened by the relatives of those accused. In another incident, the same relatives followed a journalist and hurled insults at them as they were leaving the court building,” the union wrote on social media.
“The IĠM condemns the incidents and shows solidarity with the journalists affected. This reminds us all of the real dangers faced by journalists in their line of duty.”
In a graphic attached to the organisation’s statement were examples of insults and threats reported by journalists.
“They can send me to jail over assault, as long as I fuck up her face (‘Jitfgħuni l-ħabs fuq swat l-aqwa li naħxilha wiċċa’)”, and “Don’t lie as I’ll disfigure you (‘Tigdibx għax nimmankak’)”, were just some of the threats.
“I will fuck up all your family (‘Naħxilek familtek kollha’)”, and “If she mentions my siblings’ case I’ll start punching her in front of the camera (‘Jekk issemmi l-każ ta’ ħuti naqbad intiha fuq il-kamera‘).”
It was further reported that water was thrown at journalists while relatives threatened to “beat up” their children.
The police dispatched officers to ensure safety of reporters and the IĠM thanked the police for their “prompt response”.
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