CAJ Blasts Arrest of CBC Cameraman


The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) is outraged at the arrest of a CBC cameraman by Winnipeg Police yesterday and is urging police to drop charges against him.

Winnipeg Police charged Don Scott, a 21-year veteran with the CBC, with obstruction of a peace officer Wednesday after Scott filmed a police incident that afternoon. Scott's camera and tape were confiscated in the arrest, and he was held in custody for four hours.

"This charge is baffling and we want it dropped. It appears as though Scott was merely doing his job - what journalists do every day in this country, bearing witness to the news as it happens," said CAJ President Mary Agnes Welch.

The CBC says Scott did not film any undercover officers or cross police lines as he filmed the incident. He agreed to a police request to step further away from the incident but refused to stop filming, according to the CBC.

Winnipeg Police allege Scott refused to heed instructions to move beyond a police perimeter.

The CAJ is Canada's largest professional organization for journalists from all media, with about 1,500 members across Canada. The CAJ's primary roles are to provide high quality professional development for its members and public-interest advocacy.

http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=77719&issue=12142007

I hate hearing about cops on power trips with journalists. Such bullying. Even if the cameraman is in the right in the situation, you know he is going to think twice about filming the same thing if he is in the same situation for fear of arrest.

Even if the cameraman is in the right in the situation, you know he is going to think twice about filming the same thing if he is in the same situation for fear of arrest.

I would hope this strengthens the resolve of all media. We won't, and shouldn't be bullied when covering events. As long as stories are presented realistically, let the cameras roll