To President Megawati<\/p>\n
The National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) is
\ndeeply concerned over government efforts to restrict journalists'
\ncoverage of the continuing conflict in Aceh and the rising cases
\nof repression on the island.<\/p>\n
According to our information, Presidential Decree No. 43\/2003
\nrestricts foreign journalists to the major cities, unless
\notherwise accompanied by a military escort, and requires them to
\nreport their movements to military commanders in every place they
\ncover. If journalists do not comply with these new rules they can
\nbe prosecuted and banned from reporting in Aceh, and removed from
\nAceh within 24 hours.<\/p>\n
This is tantamount to prior restraint on the Press. Military
\nescorts would hamper a journalist's task to get a total picture
\nof the conflict, tapping as many voices as possible. Likewise,
\nthe presence of troops would just increase the physical dangers
\njournalists already face in a conflict zone.<\/p>\n
We also understand that foreign journalists must now register
\nwith the Foreign Ministry before they can obtain a permit from
\nthe Directorate General for Immigration and the Ministry of
\nJustice before they can enter Aceh. In addition, we understand
\nthat there have been long delays in issuing the letters of
\nrecommendation that are required for foreign media to report in
\nAceh.<\/p>\n
The NUJP also protests the new, oppressive rules covering
\nlocal media, including the need for a permit before working for
\nforeign media organizations, and the ban on sharing video footage
\nwith the foreign press.<\/p>\n
INDAY ESPINA-VARONA, Vice chairperson, NUJP, Manila<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/to-president-megawati-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }