Press Association condemns reported attack on journalists in Homestead
The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) is condemning the reported attack of a cameraman and newspaper reporter in Homestead, Spanish Town, St Catherine on Tuesday.
The PAJ in a release said the journalists reported that while on assignment at the Homestead Primary School, covering a sick out by staff members, they were filming a scene by the school gate when the photojournalist was attacked by a man from the community who punched him.
It was further reported that the man grabbed photojournalist’s camera, ripped the microphone cable and attempted to damage the camera. He also reportedly tried to seize the mobile phone of the newspaper reporter.
“The Press Association of Jamaica condemns unequivocally this reprehensible act and display of thuggery towards our workers,” the PAJ said, adding that it wishes to remind the public that journalists must be free to conduct their duties without any form of threat or interference.
The PAJ also said it is calling on the police, who reportedly visited the scene and took statements, to ensure a thorough investigation is done and appropriate penalties are applied to the attacker.