Media watchdog slams anti-Bersih harassment of The Star journalists

PETALING JAYA: Media watchdog Geramm (Gerakan Media Marah) expressed its concern over the provocation and harassment by individuals against media personnel covering the Bersih 5.0 convoy in Kuala Selangor on Saturday.

The coalition of journalists said the individuals were seen threatening the reporters to delete video footages of scenes between the two groups.

It said the duty of the media is only to report incidents which has happened and should not be involved in any political dispute and all parties, especially political parties, should not victimise the media who are only carrying out their duties.

Geramm’s statement came after journalists from The Star were harassed by an anti-Bersih group outside a hypermarket in Kuala Selangor.

Here is Geramm's statement:

Gerakan Media Marah (GERAMM) regrets the incident of provocation and harassment by individuals linked to the Red Shirt movement, against media personnel on duty in Sabak Bernam this evening.

The individuals were seen threatening and forcing a reporter to delete footages recorded at Giant Kuala Selangor.

A photographer was also reportedly roughed up in the same incident.

It is understood that a youth leader from the ruling party was also seen on site.

The duty of the media is only to report incidents which has happened and should not be involved in any political dispute.

All parties and especially political parties should not victimise the media who are only carrying out our duties.

Geramm is a loose coalition of journalists, media representatives and activists fighting for freedom of the press and its practitioners.