Journalist narrowly escapes attack by army officer

[Royal]

Alert

Journalist narrowly escapes attack by army officer

Country/Topic: Cambodia
Date: 03 October 2005
Source: Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
Person(s): Ratha Visal
Target(s): journalist(s)
Type(s) of violation(s): attacked , injured
Urgency: Flash
(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is an alert filed by SEAPA with information provided by the Cambodian Association for Protection of Journalists (CAPJ):


A local journalist working for the United States-based radio station Radio Free Asia was hit by a truck transporting illegally cut wood while he was taking photographs of illegal logging in Cambodia's Northern Ratanakiri province. Ratha Visal, 50, managed to escape, however, with minor leg injuries.

On 30 September 2005, Visal said he went along national route No. 19 to investigate illegal logging after receiving tips by villagers. Visal said he was taking photographs in front of a car when a truck driven by a military officer with Region 1, identified later as Lt. Phal, drove towards him.

According to Radio Free Asia, in his attempt to escape, the driver was about to run over Visal, who lost his footing and was brushed and dragged for about 100 metres. Visal sustained minor injuries to his legs.

"He (Phal) fired three shots in the air to frighten me," said Visal.

According to him, the local authorities stopped two trucks transporting illegally cut wood, but Phal managed to escape with his truck.
Visal said he complained to the provincial police and provincial judge about the incident.
CAPJ President Um Sarin urged local authorities to arrest the lieutenant and bring him to justice, and asked that measures be taken to protect journalists in performing their duties.

In Cambodia, provincial journalists remain a target of retribution or threats by corrupt government and military officials and those involved in illegal activities.

[flipflop]

Journalist narrowly escapes attack by army officer

Oooh, unlucky!.......Never mind there'll always be another be another chance to get one

Cheers

[Johnno]

What a dumbass. Who photographs illegal activity and doent check their 6 for threats?