On Thursday, police officers raided the Newsday newspaper offices, however, according to the public information officer of the Police service, the officers actions were in accordance with proper procedure and protocol. Do we as citizens have rights to freedom of press? Is it necessary for officers to storm into a press office and search reporters as well as seizing information and documents?
In my opinion this is an example of an undermining of rights, on what valid claims do these police officers have to treat journalists and reporters with such hostility and disrespect? The search conducted by the officers were in connection to a row between Integrity Commission Ken Gordon and deputy chairman Glayds Gafoor. Apart from seizing documents at the Newsday Newspapers office, reporter Andre Bagoo also had his computer from his home taken.
I find it very appalling to know that the police has the audacity to raid journalists and reporters homes and place of work on the premise that he or she may have information that has eluded them, i believe that the press and members representing the press should be provided with certain legal protection from the abuse of power by those in authority!!!
I concur.
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