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TV journalist allegedly assaulted by soldiers in East Java

Jakarta Globe - October 3, 2016

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Jakarta – Sony Misdananto, a journalist at television broadcaster NET TV, was allegedly assaulted and intimidated by soldiers while reporting on Islamic new year celebrations in Madiun district, East Java, on Sunday (02/10).

Sony suffered bruising to the face and had his video camera and memory card destroyed by soldiers from the Army's Yonif Para Raider 501 unit, tasked with safeguarding the event.

It remains unclear what triggered the incidents. Reports have said Sony recorded a traffic accident caused by a convoy of martial arts performers, prompting soldiers to intimidate the journalist out of reporting the accident.

"I apologize for the violent incident involving Sony Misdananto, the journalist of NET TV," Madiun Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Susatyo Condro Purnomo told reporters, as reported by state-run Antara news agency, adding that Sony has been treated by a police medical team.

The Kediri-chapter of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) condemned the incident and demanded Indonesian Military Chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo evaluate officers who took part in the violence against the journalist.

"The law firmly says that journalists are protected from any kind of work equipment seizures and they must not be inhibited or intimidated by certain parties," AJI Kediri coordinator Afnan Subagyo said.

Separately in Jakarta, Gatot said he will wait for investigations into the incident before taking action against the soldiers.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/tv-journalist-allegedly-assaulted-soldiers-e-java/.