Human rights activist Haris Azhar, speaking at a thematic journalism\ntraining session organised by the Press Council in Jakarta on Thursday,\noutlined three levels of advocacy in response to acts of repression\nagainst journalists.<\/p>\n
According to him, the three advocacy efforts are each carried out\naccording to the impact caused by the repressive action against\njournalists.<\/p>\n
\u201cThings (acts of repression) that can be prevented should be\naddressed more fundamentally. So, first, from the side of awareness and\nethics of officials not to use their power and wealth to attack, yes,\nthat must be controlled,\u201d said Haris.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he said, if repression has already occurred and resulted\nin damage to journalistic work tools, including cameras, mobile phones\nand so on, then the perpetrator must be held accountable for material\ncompensation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is material loss, then material accountability must be\ndemanded. For example, if the attack is not on the profession but on the\nequipment, then the facts should be revealed and the material loss must\nbe compensated,\u201d said Haris.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the attack is on very fundamental rights, such as bodily\nintegrity and life, and also those related to the profession, then it\nmust go through to a final process. In other words, the facts must be\nestablished, who the perpetrator is, who the victim is, and what the\njudgment is,\u201d explained Haris.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he also stressed that the response to attacks or\nrepression against journalists must not obscure the issue being\nraised.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the attack on our journalist colleagues requires legal action,\nfor example if it contains criminal elements, there is already\ncooperation between the Press Council and the National Police\nHeadquarters. If, for example, it is not criminal but related to the\nprofession or its product, then we bring it to the Press Council,\u201d said\nHaris.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, he also did not condone journalistic products\nbeing challenged in court or reported to the police.<\/p>\n
\u201cAttacks on journalists must be fought by continuing to report on the\nissue that caused you to be attacked. So, fellow journalists, journalist\norganisations, and the Press Council must protect the continuity of that\nreporting. The reporting must not be allowed to stop,\u201d concluded\nHaris.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/haris-azhar-outlines-three-measures-against-repression-of-journalists-1786622132", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }