Wade Compares His Trial with Senate Assaults

Louis Wade

Earlier this week, you saw what transpired during the hearing of the Senate Select Committee – journalists were threatened by political operatives carrying out the dirty work of their party which caused a disruption in the session. Today, Wade pointed out that journalists were assaulted on Wednesday, similar to the manner in which he was, simply for carrying out their jobs. So, are these incidents an attack on press freedom?

Louis Wade, Journalist

“On Wednesday, the media was treated to what I was treated to. On Wednesday when the media was treated to that abuse, it was on live camera. The country was watching and all of your cameras were watching. And certain political operators were not afraid to speak, threaten, assault; and they were on live camera. Now, imagine, I was a journalist, alone, surrounded by Ministry of Works personnel who work under Minister Rene Montero. And instead when I went to shoot something, if they are doing something legitimate as Ministry of Works personnel, then why will they call of all person, Minister Montero’s son?”

Andrea Polanco

“You were out there as a journalist; you were being stopped from doing your work. Share with us briefly, your thoughts – do you see this as an attack on the “freedom of the press” here?”

Louis Wade, Journalist

“Yes. Journalists are seen as bottom of the barrel. And I am proud for the time that I am sharing, just a time that I am sharing with journalists that I am proud to stand alongside media in this country for fruit and freedom. I am proud to go through what I am going through for the media and for my nation. I love this country.”