Calls for swift investigation and action from the police

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) is condemning the attack on a cameraman and newspaper reporter today in Homestead, Spanish Town, St Catherine.

The photojournalist and reporter have reported that they were on assignment at the Homestead Primary School, covering a sick out by staff members and, while filming a scene by the school gate, the photojournalist was attacked by a man from the community, who punched him.

The photojournalist said the attacker grabbed his camera, ripped the microphone cable and attempted to damage the camera. The attacker also tried to seize the mobile phone of the newspaper reporter.

The PAJ said it was informed that the police visited the scene and took statements.

In a statement, the association representing journalists said it condemned “unequivocally this reprehensible act and display of thuggery towards the journalists in questioned”.

The stated read: “The PAJ is reminding the public that journalists must be free to conduct their duties without any form of threat or injury and is calling on the police to ensure a thorough investigation is done and appropriate penalties are applied to the attacker.”