Nation Media Breaks Silence After NTV Cameraman Tased, Reporter Threatened at Gunpoint in Ol Kalou

Nation Media Group (NMG) has strongly condemned the violent attack on its journalists while they were covering the Ol Kalou by-election at AC Primary School polling station.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, NMG Chairman Joe Muganda described the incident as an attack on press freedom and the public’s right to receive accurate information.

According to the media house, an NTV cameraman was allegedly tasered, beaten, and had his camera seized during the attack.

The statement also revealed that a Nation newspaper reporter was threatened at gunpoint, and her mobile phone was forcibly taken.

NMG said the incident targeted not only its employees but also the constitutional role of the media in informing the public.

“The assault on our journalists, during which an NTV cameraman was tased, beaten and his camera seized, while a Nation reporter was threatened at gunpoint and had her mobile phone forcibly taken, is an attack not only on members of our staff but also on the principles of press freedom and the public’s right to receive timely and accurate information.”

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NMG Defends Press Freedom of Journalists

The media house stressed that journalists play a critical role during elections by promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

It said violence, intimidation, or interference against journalists has no place in a democratic society.

“An attack on journalists is an assault on the public’s right to know.”

NMG also noted that elections are among the most important democratic processes and require the presence of an independent media to ensure citizens receive credible information.

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Call for Swift Investigations

The company urged the relevant authorities to move quickly, investigate the incident, and bring those responsible to justice.

It also called for stronger measures to protect journalists while carrying out their work in the public interest.

“I call upon the relevant authorities to move swiftly to investigate this incident, bring those responsible to justice and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of journalists covering matters of public interest.”

Support for Injured

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chairman Joe Muganda wished the injured journalists a speedy recovery.

He also praised them for their professionalism, courage, and resilience despite the challenges they faced while serving the public.

“Nation Media Group stands firmly with its journalists and with every media professional committed to informing the public without fear or favour. Protecting journalists is fundamental to protecting the freedoms upon which open and democratic societies depend.”

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Nation Media Group Press Statement On Journalists Attack During Ol Kalou By-Election
PHOTO/NMG