Geramm condemns manhandling of media personnel at Kelantan PN event

 

Gerakan Media Merdeka (Geramm) has condemned an alleged act of violence against three media members by security personnel during an event organised by Kelantan Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Tanah Merah yesterday.

According to Geramm, a male reporter was purportedly hit in the abdomen while a female journalist was reported to have been gripped at the neck.

"They were under the main stage occupied by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and two senior Bersatu leaders who are also ministers, Mohd Radzi Md Jidin and Mustapa Mohamed.

"Both reporters claimed to have been assaulted by bodyguards or members of the Special Action Unit who tried to prevent them from moving around the stage to take pictures of the launch.

"It is understood that another journalist was also rudely prevented from approaching the leaders," said Geramm.

The journalist group said it cannot be ascertained whether the incident involved the same or different individuals.

"Any form of abuse against journalists, including physical acts, is wrong and unacceptable.

"The right of journalists to carry out free and fair coverage must be protected by all parties, including through legal provisions," it added.

The group said it has contacted the office of one of the PN leaders and further action will be taken to confirm the identity of the individuals involved. - Mkini