Media Association blasts poor treatment of journalists

The Media Association of Jamaica Limited (MAJL) said it is appalled by the treatment meted out to journalists reportedly at the People's National Party headquarters in St Andrew on Monday.

In a recording of the incident, an unidentified individual was heard telling a female journalist that he could rape her, while others demanded that she and a colleague leave the property and admonished them for wearing green clothing.

"This is not an occurrence to be taken lightly; journalists must not be subjected to any threats or attacks verbal or otherwise whilst carrying out their duties on behalf of this nation," the MAJL said. "The threat of rape is representative of the low we have reached in our society where too many of our females are being harassed and, in many cases, physically attacked. Further, the refusal of the public official to comment on matters of public interest is worrying and the discrimination against a journalist's attire smacks of tribal politics. These actions have the effect of eroding our foundation of press freedom and threaten our democracy."

The MAJL also called for the leadership of the PNP must take immediate action to discipline "those who are involved in this travesty and demonstrate very clearly that they distance themselves from this alarming behaviour unbecoming of the leadership this country deserves".