In Madagascar, on November 4, 2023, the police dispersed opposition rallies with tear gas grenades. At least ten injured were recorded, including three journalists. The president of the Order of Journalists Monica Rasoloarison calls for “ appropriate measures to [leur] protection » because these « have a duty to cover events under citizens’ right to information » as the first round of a tense presidential election approaches.
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HAS Madagascartension rose further in the capital on Saturday, as the first round of the presidential election, scheduled for November 16, approaches.
The “collective of 10” tried, in vain, to reach the emblematic Place du 13-Mai. The opposition candidates and their supporters faced an imposing security system deployed all around the premises, prohibited from access since the start of the protest. Result, at least ten injured, including three journalists.
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We must be extra careful on the ground, says the president of the Order of Journalists of Madagascar in response. Monica Rasoloarison who condemns an attack on the work of the media.
“ They were on the side of the demonstrators doing interviews, and the journalists were hit with tear gas and their legs were injuredshe explains on the microphone of our correspondent in Antananarivo, Pauline Le Troquier. Aside from these three reported cases, there was also an element of the police who threatened a journalist with his weapon while he was taking photos of him carrying out acts of violence against of a citizen “.
She continues: “ Like all other citizens, journalists live, go through and also witness these periods of tension during electoral periods, with the difference that they have a duty to cover events under citizens’ right to information. These events, precisely, teach us that we must redouble our vigilance so that everyone can take appropriate measures to protect journalists. »
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