The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has launched a hotline to support journalists who face attacks during the 2023 elections. Journalists can call or message the number, 08138755660, through regular calls, WhatsApp calls, text messages, or WhatsApp messages to receive guidance and support regarding their rights and safety mechanisms. If necessary, they can also get litigation assistance to enforce their rights.
MRA is concerned about the chilling effect of such attacks on media freedom, which poses a risk to Nigeria’s democracy. Journalists and media personnel are frequently targeted during elections, and various actors, including law enforcement personnel, government officials, political thugs, and criminals, are responsible for these attacks.
MRA advises journalists to save the hotline number on their mobile devices’ speed dial to enable them to access it quickly if needed.
Journalists can report incidents such as threats of physical harm, arbitrary arrests and detentions, physical violence, raids, and searches of their homes or offices, intimidation, harassment, and threats targeting them or their family members to MRA for documentation purposes. Additionally, they can seek advice about their legal rights or the official mechanisms available at the domestic, regional, or international levels to file formal complaints about violations of their rights.
The hotline will remain in operation until after the inauguration of the new government resulting from the 2023 elections.
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