The All-China Journalists Association has issued a statement defending journalists’ rights after a reporter was beaten while interviewing a stand-up comedian. From China Daily:
“It is imperative to safeguard journalists’ legitimate rights to interview and stop any misconduct that interferes with journalists’ legitimate interviews,” said a brief announcement posted on the ACJA’s website on Saturday.
“To have protection in accordance with the law is the legitimate right of media organizations.”
The move came after Zhou Wenfu, a Beijing Television (BTV) reporter, was repeatedly punched on Aug 1 when he attempted to interview Guo Degang, China’s most top stand-up comedian, at his villa. Clips of the beating have been circulated on the Internet and have been broadcast on BTV.
…The statement came after a string of alleged attacks against journalists who exposed scandals.
