TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Jakarta condemned the act of violence against journalists in December 2 demonstration, or Jakarta Rally. The assault toward Metro TV journalist was committed by protesters and toward RCTI journalist was committed by members of the police.

AJI Jakarta chapter chairman Ahmad Nurhasim said that intimidation and violence carried out against journalists on duty cannot be justified under any circumstances. “Journalists are protected by Press Law,” he said on Saturday (3/12).

In addition to Criminal Code, such intimidation and violence are against Article 18 of Press Law. They flouted the law by hampering and obstructing press freedom and journalistic work.

The offenders can either serve two years of imprisonment or pay Rp 500 million of fine.

Based on information collected by AJI Jakarta, Metro TV journalists intimidated by the 212 protesters were a cameraman named Shinta Novita and two reporters Aftian Siswoyo and Rifai Pamone.

Shinta and Aftian were intimidated in the front yard of Istiqlal Mosque, while Rifai was intimidated in front of Sapta Pesona building. In Depok, RCTI cameraman named Wara was intimidated by a member of Brigade squad while he was attempting to cover an arrest of an activist, the police dragged him and took his camera.

VINDRY FLORENTIN