The JAMAICA-Opposition party extends an “unreserved” apology to the journalist.

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KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has “unreservedly” extended its “sincere apologies” to a journalist after she was threatened with being sexually assaulted while on an assignment on Monday night.

“The entire affair is regrettable, and the party tenders its unreserved apologies to the media workers and the public at large,” the PNP said in a statement, adding that the incident “was completely unacceptable and did not reflect the position of the PNP concerning engagements with the media and guests on the PNP’s property.”

The journalist was threatened while covering a protest at the headquarters of the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP), where supporters were registering their displeasure at the selection of Dr. Alfred Dawes to represent the party in St Catherine South East instead of councilor for the Edgewater Division, Alric Campbell.

Minister with Responsibility for Information, Robert Nesta Morgan, said the action represented “a serious attack on press freedom and required swift and decisive action against those responsible.”

Morgan, in his statement, said that senior PNP members were present during the incident and urged them to report those responsible for the threats of rape to the police.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Media Association of Jamaica (MAJ) also condemned the attack, noting that the rape threat was not the only incident.

The PAJ pointed out that the Radio Jamaica journalist and a colleague from Nationwide News Network were verbally attacked. At the same time, a Television Jamaica crew was threatened by a PNP supporter armed with a stone.

“These acts are unacceptable and a violation of the fundamental human rights of the journalists,” said PAJ President Milton Walker, saying that journalists play a critical role in providing information to the public and must be able to do so without the fear of violence or intimidation.

The MAJ voiced similar sentiments and said the incidents were not to be taken lightly as journalists must not be subjected to any threats or attacks, verbal or otherwise while carrying out their duties on behalf of the nation.

“The threat of rape is representative of the low we have reached in our society where too many of our females are being harassed and, in many cases, physically attacked,” the MAJ said.

In its statement, the PNP said it remains committed to “upholding the highest standard of professionalism and respect in all interactions with the media and the public.

“We will take all necessary steps to ensure that our members understand the importance of this commitment and that such incidents do not occur in the future.”

The PNP said that it had spoken directly with the journalist “as well as with her supervisors and have expressed our regret for what happened and have offered our unreserved apologies.

“She has been assured of our commitment to investigating the matter fully and ensuring that the offenders are disciplined.”

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