Safety of journalists is non-negotiable

Mmegi Editor | Monday October 27, 2025 15:43

That a journalist can be physically attacked, have his equipment destroyed, and receive death threats within the supposed sanctuary of a courtroom is a chilling development that demands an immediate and robust response from authorities. This incident is a stark reminder of the risks faced by media practitioners who work to keep the public informed. When a journalist is silenced through fear or violence, it is our right to know that is compromised. The courts, in particular, are pillars of justice. It is absolutely unacceptable for them to become places where the messengers of justice are targeted. We therefore, issue a direct call to those entrusted with upholding law and order. The Administration of Justice must conduct an urgent review of security protocols in all the country’s courts. There must be a clear and present plan to protect everyone within a courtroom, especially journalists who are performing a vital public duty. The visible presence and alertness of police and prison officers in these spaces cannot be overstated.

They must be trained and prepared to anticipate and de-escalate potential violence, intervening decisively as they eventually did in this case. The attacker in this instance was an accused person and it is the primary duty of prisons and police officers to ensure such individuals cannot harm members of the public, including the press. Furthermore, the police investigation into this matter must be thorough and swift. The physical assault and death threats cannot be treated lightly.

The perpetrator must face the full force of the law to send an unambiguous message that such brazen attacks will not be tolerated. At the same time, this event serves as a sobering lesson for the journalistic community. While your work is essential, your personal safety must come first. You often operate in volatile environments, surrounded by individuals who, in moments of high stress or anger, may feel they have nothing to lose. We urge all journalists to exercise heightened caution, to be aware of their surroundings, and to maintain a safe distance where possible when covering court cases involving volatile subjects. Your courage is commendable, but it must be paired with vigilance. An attack on a journalist is an attack on democracy itself. We cannot allow thuggery to intimidate the Fourth Estate into silence. The authorities must act now to protect those who protect our right to know. The safety of journalists on duty is non-negotiable.

“If we do not protect journalists, our ability to remain informed and make evidence-based decisions is severely hampered. When journalists cannot do their jobs in safety, we lose an important defence against the pandemic of misinformation and disinformation that has spread online”- António Guterres