KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Press Affiliation of Jamaica (PAJ) has referred to as on the nation to hitch it “in condemning this assault on press freedom” after expressing concern about claims by supporters of the 2 essential political events right here towards media homes and journalists.
The PTA stated that it’s “deeply involved” concerning the claims being made by the supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Occasion (JLP) and the primary opposition Folks’s Nationwide Occasion (PNP) “that would have deeper implications for the career and those that work as media professionals.”
The PAJ stated that the priority surrounds claims made in a video circulating on-line that falsely accuses the chairman of the RJRGLEANER Group of directing editorial coverage and hyperlinks journalists on the Jamaica Gleaner to the Folks’s Nationwide Occasion (PNP).
It stated that there’s additionally a matter of a member of the JLP who, at a celebration rally lately, insinuated that the media and the PNP destroyed former JLP leaders Edward Seaga and Bruce Golding and are additionally intent on destroying Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
The PAJ stated different points inflicting concern embody the current assertion by PNP President Mark Golding at his celebration’s annual convention, through which he labeled segments of the career as “JLP-aligned media homes,” and makes an attempt by PNP supporters to falsely hyperlink the Jamaica Observer Restricted’s Deputy Managing Director to affect editorial coverage.
“Whereas we acknowledge the significance of free speech, we can not tolerate misinformation that undermines the integrity of our career. The PAJ reaffirms its dedication to selling moral journalism, media independence, and transparency.”
The PAJ stated it urges the JLP to sentence the lately circulated video and referred to as on its supporters to chorus from spreading dangerous misinformation. It additionally urged the PNP management to chorus from making statements sooner or later that may be seen as an assault on the liberty of the press to do its work.
“The PAJ stands in solidarity with our colleagues and rejects any makes an attempt to politicize journalism or intimidate media practitioners. The PAJ reminds the general public {that a} free press is important to holding these in energy accountable and making certain transparency and accountability. We won’t stand idly by whereas our members face harassment, intimidation, or smear campaigns,” the PAJ stated.
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