Attack on Media workers a shame for democracy : PNG Opposition

PORT MORESBY:  The attack and verbal abuses on media workers in line of their dutyby the public is an embarrassment for the country’s democracy, said the Opposition Leader Don Polye.
Joining the chorus on condemning the attack, Mr Polye has called on the people to understand the roles and responsibilities of media workers.
He added that in doing so would help them correct such misbehaviour.
“We also have to fully appreciate the value of freedoms of expression and information as promoted by our Constitution,” he said.
Polye was commenting on a handful of media workers,who narrowly escaped attack and suffered verbal abuses while covering an imprisonment of a politician at the Waigani courthouse, in Port Moresby this week.
He has likened this misconduct by those involved with a breach of the Constitution.
The Opposition Leader said press continued to be a vibrant voice in the country and that everyone should foster its development.
“Despite its challenges, our press upholds its primary role as an unofficial fourth arm of the government under our West Minister system.
“Through press lights have been shed on allegations of corruption in the country,” he said.
Mr Polye said in the recent past a female journalist from the National Broadcasting Corporation also encountered her share of similar mischievousness from the hands of a few policemen while covering UPNG saga.
He has commended them for their bravery in reporting issues of national importance without fear or favour.
Meanwhile, Polye has called on the Media Council of PNG to exert more efforts to provide insurance cover for each of its members.
“When we are in government, we will fund insurance cover for them and pass laws to protect them,” said Polye.