Two Guyanese media workers are fearful for their lives and personal safety after a ban was imposed on them through a targeted statement by Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed. The duo have called on the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to break its silence and condemn this attack on the free press.
In a strongly worded joint statement, Courdel Jones of LiveWire News and Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as the Guyanese Critic, condemned Mohamed’s decision to ban them indefinitely from attending press conference of the Opposition Leader’s Office and WIN, describing the move as an attack on press freedom and the public’s right to information.
The ban against media workers by Mohamed as a state official raises serious questions about WIN’s and the Opposition Leader’s commitment to a free press that is prepared to scrutinise them.
“Access to political leaders must not depend on favourable coverage or a willingness to avoid difficult questions,” they argued.
Beyond the issue of media access, Jones and Rodrigues have expressed fears that being publicly singled out by a prominent political figure exposes them to hostility and harassment and could lead to physical harm.
“We fear for our personal safety and our lives, and we take seriously the possibility that others may interpret this treatment as permission to intimidate us,” the statement noted.
The controversy has also placed renewed attention on the Guyana Press Association and its responsibility to defend journalists against discriminatory treatment.
In their statement, Jones and Rodrigues specifically called on the GPA to unequivocally condemn their exclusion and seek assurances that journalists can perform their duties without intimidation or fear.
Despite the controversy, both journalists have vowed to continue their work.
“We remain committed to carrying out our work and will not allow exclusion or intimidation to silence legitimate scrutiny,” they affirmed.
