NRT staff was attacked again by a group of protestors while covering their action in front of UNAMI delegation in Erbil.
Omid Juwany, NRT correspondent told Press Freedom Advocacy Association that Kurdish security forces in Erbil banned their coverage of the protest that was demanding UNAMI to interfere against the control of Iraqi army on disputed areas. The incident that took place at five pm last Friday, witnessed the provoking of protestors against the media staff till the issue aggravated and tens of protestors were abusing the journalists and beating them. They ended in being threatened to be killed if they wouldn’t leave the site accusing them of betraying Kurdistan.
Juwany said that the attack resulted in destroying the staff’s equipment including that of Karzan Karim, whereas the security forces took no action in spite of witnessing the attack.
Press Freedom Advocacy Association expresses its deep concern of the current situation of press in KR that indicates dire violation of press laws in the country that secure freedom of expression of media bodies in the country.
The association demands that KRG interferes to protect journalism. And calls on all related international organizations to protect journalists in Kurdistan and secure their field operation.
