Violence against reporters in Aceh

BANDA ACEH: There have been 53 reported cases of offenses against journalists since 1999 in the province of Aceh, claim the local branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association.

At least one journalist was beaten up by unknown assailants and killed in the period between 1999 and June 2001.

The deputy chief of the association's legal department, Dahlan TH, said here on Saturday that most of the incidents occurred during field coverage in high risk areas such as the regencies of East Aceh, North Aceh and Pidie.

"Many of the offenses involved journalists being hit by security forces, members of the public, Free Aceh Movement separatists," Dahlan said, as quoted by Antara.

However Dahlan remarked that these incidents were mostly caused by individuals who became over emotional during a particular event or because of a misunderstanding.