PNP says rape threat was not directed at journalist
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The People’s National Party (PNP) says after conducting investigations, it believes the rape threat, which was purportedly issued to a journalist on Monday, was actually part of a separate conversation between two protesters and not directed at the media practitioner.
In a statement Wednesday evening, the PNP said the investigations focused on identifying the individual responsible for making the comment, the intended target, and the context in which the comment was made.
“Based on our analysis of the recording, as well as interviews conducted with individuals present at the time of the incident, it appears that the comment was made as part of a separate conversation between two protesters from South East St Catherine who were in the vicinity. It was not directed towards the journalist present.”
The Opposition party said the comment appears to have been banter between friends.
“The PNP wishes to reiterate its condemnation of all forms of violence and abusive language or behaviour, particularly towards women. The PNP will continue to support investigations by the authorities into any such incident and take swift and appropriate action against any and all perpetrators,” the party added.
The statement comes on the heels of reports that journalists were mistreated while on duty at the headquarters of the party.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PNP dubbed the incident as “regrettable”, adding that the incident does not reflect the morals upheld by the party.
READ: PNP apologises for ‘regrettable’ incident involving journalists
“We have shared our initial findings with representatives of the media houses which were present at the time of the incident. We will be reaching out to the RJR Media Group, Nationwide, the Media Association of Jamaica, and the Press Association of Jamaica to establish protocols for media engagement going forward,” the PNP said.
The PNP added: “We want to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect in all our interactions with the media and the public. The PNP recognises the critical role that journalists play in holding public officials accountable and values the media’s role in a democratic society.”
