ACM calls for public apology from Suriname VP

PARAMARIBO (CMC):

The Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) on Wednesday expressed “solidarity” with the Surinamese journalist Jason Pinas, who it said had been assaulted in the course of the performance of his duties outside the National Assembly on Tuesday.

It also called on Vice-President Ronnie Brunswijk to issue an open apology to the journalist over the incident.

In a statement, the regional media umbrella organisation, said that it also stands “in full support with the Association of Surinamese Journalists on this matter”.

“The use of the state’s security apparatus against a journalist, in this instance, is woefully inappropriate and must be condemned. The action by the bodyguards of Vice- President Ronnie Brunswijk must be called into question on the basis of, what threat did Mr Pinas pose to the public official?

“This type of action goes back to a dark, militaristic era in Suriname that must not be allowed to raise its ugly head again, as this can be rightfully construed as an elected dictatorship,” the ACM said.