NSI-Libya Safety Update 1340 GMT March 8

NSI-Libya Safety Update 1340 GMT March 8

Source : INSI 08.03.2011

The situation for news crews in Libya is becoming increasingly precarious and there is a strong sense that antipathy towards foreign journalists is mounting.

The International News Safety Institute is working with news organisations from across the world with journalists in Libya and is coordinating an email forum for confidential and sensitive information regarding the security of those on the ground. Those interested in this should email Hannah Storm at hannah.storm@newssafety.org

INSI will continue to provide safety updates such as this one, which is valid as of 1340 GMT on March 8.

SUMMARY:

The International News Safety Institute has received reports that a number of journalists from different western organisations have been detained by authorities, some of them overnight, and at least one has been beaten (more below).

In addition, a hotel in Benghazi where a number of journalists are staying, is believed to have been attacked by a grenade, although there were no reported injuries.

Journalists staying in the Hotel Ouzo, in Libya’s second city, heard gunfire -- though it is not clear if this was from a passing vehicle -- and one (possibly two) explosion(s) during the night. Security around the hotel has been increased and in the past hour there have been reports that a man, suspected by rebels of being a spy, was marched out of the hotel and later released after rebels said they made a mistake.

The apparent increase in antipathy towards western media may have been exacerbated by British military activity in Benghazi over the past 48 hours. It is clear there are a lot of edgy people with guns in Libya and to this end journalists should exercise extreme caution -- especially if they deliberately seek to operate without their government minders. A number of news crews who have given their minders the slip have been detained. Several journalists were detained trying to get in to Zawiya, about 30 miles west of Tripoli. Some were held overnight, at least one was beaten.

As the prospect of long-term unrest in Libya becomes increasingly likely, news organisations and journalists face a series of issues and challenges, which could impact on their safety.

The desire to provide a new angle on an ongoing story should not prompt journalists to take unsafe risks. Those who have been reporting on the story for the past few weeks are also likely to be fatigued and this may impact on decision-making or behaviour. Journalists and desk staff should be aware of this and have contingency measures in place. Fresh crews coming in to replace others should keep a low profile as they find their feet.