Media Warn the Government

28 September 2007

All reporters, photo-reporters and cameramen from Macedonian media boycotted yesterday�s press-conference of the Government, to protest the recent series of incidents in which media professionals were attacked and injured.

Prime Minister Gruevski, with the complete Cabinet behind him, wanted to present the latest data of the World Bank on progress of reforms in Macedonia. However, after his first sentence, the members of the press left the conference room.

Ivica Bocevski, the Spokesperson of the Government, said in his statement for the press afterwards that he understands the discontent of the media and announced immediate legal measures and sanctions for the persons who attacked and beat up journalists, or detained them with no apparent reason.

The journalists were satisfied with the demonstrated solidarity and unity in the attempt to protect both their colleagues and the profession in general.

The Prime Minister said that he understands the protests and added that the authorities have taken all available measures and that five members of the Ministry of the Interior have been suspended and one of them will be prosecuted on criminal charges.

As a reminder, over the past several days, since the outbreak of fistfighting between political opponents in the Macedonian Parliament, there were several instances of physical attacks on reporters, including the grave incident yesterday in which a cameraman of the Alsat TV broadcaster was badly beaten and injured by members of the �Alpha� special police unit.

Also, journalists and TV crews were prevented from reporting on the events surrounding the Parliament on Wednesday and were detained, with request to hand over the taped footage.