The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has raised concerns relating to the safety of journalists in hostile situations and will discuss the matter further with the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.
Mr Manning highlighted his concerns following an incident in Moitaka, in the National Capital District yesterday where a National Broadcasting Corporation cameraman was grazed by a stray bullet that struck a journalist in the arm.
“The media are the public’s eyes and ears in our democracy, and there must be respect and protection for journalists to carry out their professional duties,” Mr Manning said.
“The situation yesterday is not acceptable and occurred after criminal elements fired weapons wildly and police proceeded to bring the situation under control.
“I am advised that the NBC journalist received care and I hope she is able to make a full and rapid recovery.
“Investigations are ongoing as to what occurred, and I will release details when they come to hand.
“This is the unfortunate reality of the environment in which police operate after decades of neglect of our internal security services, but we are making changes to return the balance in the favour of law-abiding people.”
The Commissioner said he agrees with the suggestion by the Media Council to engage with the RPNGC to develop measures to better ensure the safety of journalists.
“I would like police to work with the Media Council to establish better ways for the protection of the liberty and lives of media professionals.
“This has to be done carefully in a way that will provide additional protection for professionals doing their jobs, while not placing them and others at higher risk.
“No person is bulletproof, so we don’t want to see journalists placing themselves or the lives of the public or police at unnecessary risk during security operations.
“We cannot allow those who are central to our democratic process and the enforcement of public order to be at risk while covering news stories, or intimidated and threatened because of the news they publish.
“I look forward to meeting with representatives of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea to plan a way forward to better protect our media fraternity,” Mr Manning said.