Louis “Ljay” Wade, a reporter for independentPlusTV, arrived at a park in Belmopan, Belize on 27 February where police were recovering the bodies of two people who had drowned. He said when police saw him filming, they pinned him against a gate, took his phone multiple times, and demanded he delete his footage or face charges. He refused and filed a complaint against the police officers on 4 March. “‘I filed a complaint against the police officers to make sure they can no longer harass anyone. If they were able to assault me, a person with a voice and the resources necessary to pursue the case, imagine what they think they can do to those less fortunate?” Wade told RSF.
“To assault a member of the media while conducting your duties is intolerable,” Commissioner of Police Chester WilliamstoldBreaking Belize News in response to the incident.
“It’s deeply concerning any time a police officer is violent or aggressive towards members of the media who are simply trying to do their jobs. The police and the press both serve the public. Belize has strong legal protections for the press, and we certainly expect better. And while the announcement of an investigation into the matter is promising, this incident suggests the police department needs to implement stronger guidelines to protect media workers from facing similar aggression. RSF hopes to see clarifications of the police’s policies governing officers’ interactions with journalists and, if necessary, additional training.”
Clayton Weimers
Executive Director, RSF North American Bureau
Press freedom is legally guaranteed by Belize’s constitution. Police mistreatment of members of the media is relatively rare in Belize. Butaccording toChannel 7News Director Jules Vasquez, politicians and members of the government have “contempt for the press” and make it difficult for journalists to get access.
Belize is ranked 54th on RSF’s 2024World Press Freedom Index.