Police: Press denied access into barricaded areas for security reasons

Journalists are denied access into barricaded areas during certain police operations for security reasons, says the police.

Press was denied access into the barricaded area last week when the Leader of Jumhoory Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim was arrested and taken to Criminal Court for his remand hearing, making it difficult for the press to capture the events.

“Sun” questioned police spokesperson Ahmed Shifan why the press was denied access.

Shifan said it wasn’t an attempt to deny the press access.

“The press and other people aren’t allowed access during certain police operations for security reasons,” said Shifan.

“Sun” also questioned whether the police did not have the capability to maintain security while also allowing the press access into barricaded areas.

Shifan replied that there was “no question” about it. And that the police were very capable.

Some journalists have expressed concern over the denial of access by police in covering certain events during a recent Media Council meeting.