Preventative Measures to Protect Journalists at Friday Protests
14-07-2011 12:00 AM
Ammon News - By Banan Malkawi
AMMONNEWS - Head of the Jordan Press Association on Thursday said that measures have been taken in coordination with the chief of the Public Security Directorate (PSD) to ensure the safety of journalists and facilitate their work to cover the pro-reform protest planned for Friday, July 15.
Tareq Momani stressed that in coordination with PSD and its media office, the two entities agreed to specify locations for journalists to cover the events safely.
He added that PSD will distribute vests for journalists and photojournalists with clearly marked "Press" logos to distinguish them from protesters.
PSD Chief Maj General Hussein Majali will also dedicate a team of police and security officials to deal directly with journalists, he noted.
Meanwhile, Momani called on all journalists to carry press badges with them to identify themselves and their media outlets.
He noted that the aim of the coordinating measures is to ensure the safety and security of journalists and prevent any possible clashes with security officials.
The measures come ahead of a major protest planned to take place Friday following midday prayers by a coalition of pro-reform movements.
Momani's statements come after journalists working with local and international media outlets in Jordan have faced threats and attacks in recent months.
"JPA will not tolerate any attacks on journalists covering protests or demonstrations. If a journalist is wearing a vest that clearly signifies his or her profession, no excuses will be accepted from any entity if any violations of press freedoms take place," he stressed.