RSF Calls for Probe Into Police Assault on Journalist

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging Belizean authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into an alleged assault on journalist Louis “Ljay” Wade by police officers.

As we have reported, the PlusTV reporter claims he was assaulted by police while filming at Guanacaste Park in Belmopan, where two men had drowned. Wade says he waited until officers left before recording from a distance. However, after the bodies were removed, police allegedly pinned him against a gate, seized his phone multiple times, and demanded he delete the footage or face obstruction charges.

Wade, initially hesitant to report the incident, later filed a complaint. He believes officers were trying to prevent him from exposing their lack of proper equipment for handling the bodies.

RSF North American Bureau Executive Director Clayton Weimers also expressed concern over the incident. “It’s deeply concerning any time a police officer is violent or aggressive towards members of the media who are simply trying to do their jobs. The police and the press both serve the public. Belize has strong legal protections for the press, and we certainly expect better. And while the announcement of an investigation into the matter is promising, this incident suggests the police department needs to implement stronger guidelines to protect media workers from facing similar aggression. RSF hopes to see clarifications of the police’s policies governing officers’ interactions with journalists and, if necessary, additional training.”

Belize is currently ranked 54th on RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index.