Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 30-06-2017
The South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) has warned Black First Land First (BLF) to refrain from harassing, intimidating or assaulting journalists or face legal action.
In a statement posted on the BLF website, the organization says while it respects freedom of expression and the independence of the media, it will not tolerate racism slander, fake news and the covering up of white corruption under the guise of journalism.
BLF says as consequence of the constant attack by white owned media, it has decided to target racist white journalists which includes Business Day editor-in-chief Peter Bruce, amaBhungane’s Sam Sole, News24 editor Adriaan Basson, 702 presenter Stephen Grootes, News24 columnist Max du Preez, Eyewitness News’ Barry Bateman and Biznews editor Alec Hogg.
The BLF statement also contained an implied threat against HuffPost SA editor-at-large Ferial Haffajee, eNCA’s Karima Brown and 702 presenter Eusebius McKaiser.
In a lawyer’s letter addressed to BLF, SANEF says journalists have a right to privacy and a right not to have their safety and the safety of their families placed at risk.
“BLF is therefore not entitled to stage protest actions at journalists private homes. It is also apparent BLF is pursuing and agenda of intimidation and harassment that is aimed at silencing certain journalists for improper purposes.”
Yesterday BLF members gathered outside Bruce’s home in an apparent protest over a column he had written about the Gupta family while police had to intervene when Business Day editor Tim Cohen was assaulted after visiting the premises.
Sanef says should BLF not comply with its demands of refraining from harassing, intimidating or assaulting journalists by Saturday 1st July at 12pm, it will apply for an urgent interdict against the organization its leaders and other relevant parties.
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