World Press Freedom Day: 49 journalists attacked in 2021, says IPC

The International Press Centre says 49 journalists were attacked in about 40 different incidents in 2021.

The IPC said this in a statement signed by its Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade to mark the 2022 World Press Freedom Day.

The IPC in the statement, urged the Nigerian government to respect its commitment and uphold the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Peoples and Human Rights.

“The International day, is a day to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics as well as to support journalists and other media professionals, who are often the targets of attacks on press freedom.

“It is worrisome that IPC has monitored and documented not less than 40 incidents of press freedom attacks on 49 journalists in year 2021 alone, while since 2020 the organisation has identified over 100 journalists and other media professionals who have been victims of surveillance, spying, harassment, threats, violence, assaults, battery, unlawful arrests, jailing, robberies, kidnappings, and suspected murder,” the statement said.

According to IPC, these acts were committed by state governments and their agencies, Department of State Service (DSS), Rapid Response Squad (RRS), police officers, State Police Commands, Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), unknown gunmen, hoodlums, private Organisations, etc. 

IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, also said: “The reality is there is little or no justice or even compensation for the victims, while the perpetrators go scot-free. We must therefore all work together to fortify the safety of journalists and media professionals.”

Mr. Arogundade said in order to promote the conversation, IPC will on May 11 launch two documentaries which will highlight interviews with journalists and other media professionals who were victims of brutal press freedom violations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown and the #ENDSARS protests.

According to him the public presentation of the documentaries will be followed by a round table discussion on protection for journalists during national crisis or emergencies.

Panelists and participants will include media practitioners, media organisations, media professional bodies and association, press freedom organisations, media and digital rights organisations, security bodies, government representatives, lawyers, judiciary representatives, human rights activists and human rights organisations.