9/25/03 9:11:00 AM
To: National Desk
Contact: Todd Stricker of the National Press Photographers Association,
919-383-7246, president@nppa.org
DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 25 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The National Press Photographers
Association has released a formal policy statement opposing the recent
adoption of an amendment to a Miami, Fla., ordinance that would make it
illegal for journalists to wear, use, or possess gas masks, body armor, or
similar personal protection devices while covering potentially violent news
events.
Todd Stricker, the president of NPPA, says the amendment would make it
illegal for anyone other than law enforcement personnel to have gas masks or
bulletproof vests. "We are convinced that the result of this amendment is
that law-abiding journalists could be unjustly arrested, seriously injured
or even killed," Stricker's letter to Miami Mayor Manuel A. Dias says. "We,
the National Press Photographers Association, request that you reconsider
this ordinance and allow all journalists to protect themselves while at
work." The letter asks city officials to reconsider the swift passing of the
amendment and to understand its implications for working journalists
covering events such as riots and civil disturbances.
Copies of the letter (following) were also sent to Miami Commissioners Angel
Gonzalez, Johnny L. Winton, Joe Sanchez, Tomas Regalado and Arthur Teele,
along with City Manager Joe Arriola and City Attorney Alejandro Vilarello.
Founded in 1946, The National Press Photographers Association is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the advancement of photojournalism, its creation,
editing and distribution, in all news media. The NPPA is the premiere
society of professional photojournalists with a worldwide membership of
approximately 10,000.
For more information regarding the statement please contact: Todd Stricker,
NPPA President - president@nppa.org
The following is the text of the letter sent to Miami Mayor Manuel A. Dias:
Sept. 23, 2003
Hon. Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor:
The National Press Photographers Association is deeply concerned that the
City of Miami has approved on first reading an amendment to Chapter 54 of
the Code of the City of Miami. The amendment as written would make it
illegal for journalists to protect themselves while covering protests and
potential riots in the city of Miami.
We refer to City of Miami Proposed Ordinance (J-03-722), Chapter 54-6.1,
(b): "11. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, possess or wear any
gas mask or similar device designed to filter all air breathed and that
would protect the respiratory tract and face against irritating, noxious or
poisonous gases," and "12. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry
possess or wear a bulletproof vest, or other improvised body armor."
We call to your attention the potentially devastating consequences to all
journalists, but especially photographers, who are on the front lines of
these events. Photographers put themselves at risk in these situations to
cover the news and keep our nation informed and they must have the right to
protect themselves when things get out of control.
Journalists are law-abiding citizens, and not the enemy of police. Media
coverage keeps the public informed and alert about how to react during
emergencies. The media also provides a critical link for officials to
communicate quickly with the public in times of crisis.
The National Press Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancement
of photojournalism, its creation, editing and distribution, in all news
media. Among the stated purposes of the NPPA are to: "Work to maintain
freedom of the press, in all its forms, and to execute the constitutional
rights of journalists," and to "oppose violations and infringements of the
rights of photojournalists or their organizations."
We are convinced that the result of this amendment is that law-abiding
journalists could be unjustly arrested, seriously injured or even killed.
We, the National Press Photographers Association request that you reconsider
this ordinance and allow all journalists to protect themselves while at
work.
Signed,
Todd Stricker, President, National Press Photographers Association
cc: Commissioner Angel Gonzalez, Commissioner Johnny L. Winton, Commissioner
Joe M. Sanchez, Commissioner Tomas P. Regalado, Commissioner Arthur Teele,
Jr., City Manager Joe Arriola, City Attorney Alejandro Vilarello
