Men of the Police Force

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria has decried the harassment and deportation of three journalists by security operatives in Ekiti State during last Saturday’s governorship election.

The three journalists Jadesola Ajibola, Inspiration FM; Akin Ogunsola, Osun State Broadcasting Service (OSBC); and Aremu Awolola, OSBC, who were to cover the election were arrested by mobile policemen and subsequently deported to neighbouring states.

Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the action was not the best way to treat journalists who have legitimate role and responsibility during elections.

Mr. Arogundade urged the police authorities to consider the guarantee of the safety of journalists on lawful duty as part of their responsibility during elections.

He said this is especially pertinent as journalists have a role to play in ensuring the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

Jailing of Al-Jazeera Journalists

IPC also today condemned the sentencing of three Al-Jazeera Journalists to seven years imprisonment by an Egyptian court for allegedly supporting the banned Muslim Brotherhood and spreading false news.

Jailed on Monday, 23rd June, 2014 in Cairo were Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohamed who were arrested in December at a Cairo hotel where they were working after Egyptian authorities had closed the Qatar-based television network’s bureau.

IPC Director said the court’s ruling was draconian and unacceptable.