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.
