VIP cops pounce on journalist

[gregmcc]

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/vip-cops-pounce-on-journalist-1.1045750

Rights groups have reacted with outrage after a photographer was manhandled and had his camera taken away for taking pictures of VIP protection unit officers outside the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

More problems from these protection unit clowns!

 

[LazyLion]

Welcome to Free South Africa.

 

[Jagtiger]

Why do you need photos of VIP protection unit officers in first place?

 

[Nod]

Why do you need photos of VIP protection unit officers in first place?

One of the officers was testifying in the trial of racehorse owner Daryl Peense for allegedly assaulting President Jacob Zuma by spilling his whisky on him at the Durban July last year.

Freelance photographer Rogan Ward had taken pictures of Constable Funani Nemaenzhe, the first witness to take the stand, when they pounced on him.

Maybe because the constable was part of a story?

 

[Albereth]

Why do you need photos of VIP protection unit officers in first place?

To tag them on Facebook

 

[LazyLion]

Why do you need photos of VIP protection unit officers in first place?

Why not? It's [supposed to be] a free country.

 

[Jab]

Why do you need photos of VIP protection unit officers in first place?

Do you think them having a reason or not for taking the photos, give the pigs a right to assault the photographer?

 

[Jagtiger]

Do you think them having a reason or not for taking the photos, give the pigs a right to assault the photographer?

Not sure about SA, in some countries it is forbidden to take photography of VIP guards or high ranking officials, unless permitted, eg parade, conference (what if photographer is works for terrorists and he "just takes photo" of guard formations, guard count, etc). Also pictures of their non-profession related life and ridiculing photos (that may damage reputation of country).

 

[LazyLion]

Not sure about SA, in some repressive, totalitarian countries it is forbidden to take photography of VIP guards or high ranking officials

Fixed it for you.

 

[Mila]

Not sure about SA, in some countries it is forbidden to take photography of VIP guards or high ranking officials, unless permitted, eg parade, conference (what if photographer is works for terrorists and he "just takes photo" of guard formations, guard count, etc). Also pictures of their non-profession related life and ridiculing photos (that may damage reputation of country).

In Mozambique you are not allowed to take photo's of the government buildings.
They gave me kark for it

 

[Albereth]

In South Africa you can pretty much take a picture of what you like - the exceptions relate to Key Installations.