Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for a thorough investigation into the recent police attacks on a journalist during protests in Dominica last month. EmoNews journalist Soana Benjamin was reportedly verbally abused and had her equipment seized by a police officer while covering the police response to public demonstrations.
RSF executives emphasized the importance of respecting journalists’ rights to report on events and demanded full accountability, a comprehensive investigation, and justice for Soana Benjamin. They stressed that no individual, especially a member of the press, should face mistreatment by security forces.
The protests in Dominica were triggered by the passage of electoral reform bills in the legislature, including the Registration of Electors Bill & Regulations (2024), the House of Assembly (Elections) & Registration Bill (2024), and the Electoral Commission Bill (2024). These reforms, supported by both parties, aimed to enhance the electoral process by introducing measures such as establishing an electoral commission fund, implementing voter confirmation procedures, issuing new voter identification cards, and modernizing voter registration systems.
While based on recommendations from legal expert Sir Dennis Byron, critics, including the Electoral Reforms Coalition (ERC) and opposition parties, have raised concerns about the reforms’ effectiveness in addressing key electoral issues like campaign finance and voter list accuracy.
Following the bills’ passage, protests led by the ERC and opposition leader Thomson Fontaine resulted in clashes with police, tear gas usage, arrests, and allegations of excessive force. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit denounced the protests as misinformation and deliberate agitation orchestrated by the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
Despite Dominica’s constitutional protections for freedom of expression and the press, EmoNews reports increasing threats and harassment towards journalists by the police. As part of the OECS and ranked 68th in the World Press Freedom Index, Dominica faces scrutiny over recent incidents impacting press freedom and journalistic integrity.
Reference: Reporters Without Borders (RSF
