Tunisia – safety advisory from INSI

12 February 2013

The International News Safety Institute urges journalists to exercise caution while covering demonstrations in Tunisia.

There have been reports of unrest since the murder of the liberal politician Chokri Belaid
last week, the first political assassination since Tunisia’s independence from France in
1965.

On 8 February Tunis was engulfed by violent protests, which have not occurred since January 2011. Police fired tear gas into the crowds and there were reports of armed youths smashing cars and clashing with police. Although the situation has stabilised it is likely that protests will begin again this Friday (15 February).

INSI’s advice on covering demonstrations and other civil disorders includes:

Journalists should be aware that water cannons and tear gas (CS gas) may be used.

Journalists have also reported that their mobile phones and cameras were stolen while
covering last Friday’s protests. Consider covering the unrest with your back to a wall to
ensure that this is less likely to happen.

Covering demonstrations and other civil disorders

Before you head out, consider the following:

• Ensure your accreditation is in order and easily accessible.

• You may wish to alert the authorities that your news organisation plans to cover the
protests, if it is appropriate and not dangerous to do so in the country you are in. If so,
obtain the mobile number of the person in charge; the more senior the better.

• Take protective gear. This can include helmets, gas masks, or bullet proof vests with
protective plates. Your decision regarding this may depend on what weapons the local
police force uses for crowd control.

• In case of tear gas, carry a bandana and soak it in water. Cover your mouth and nose
with it. Try to use some sort of goggles to protect your eyes. Ladies – consider not wearing
make up as tear gas sticks to it.

• Try not to wear contact lenses as the tear gas will get under the lense. Bring eye drops
and spare glasses.

• Wear comfortable boots that you can run in.

• Wear natural fabrics, which may be less flammable than synthetic fabrics.

• Prepare a backpack with supplies to last a day: lightweight rain gear, energy bars and
water, spare batteries for electronic equipment, protective equipment.

• Pack a medical kit and know how to use it.

• Carry a photocopy of your press accreditation and telephone numbers of your editor and
lawyer. Make sure your editor knows how to reach your family in case you’re arrested or
hurt.

• Set your mobile phone to speed dial with an emergency number pre-set.

• If possible, ensure you have studied the map prior to going on the ground. Consider
filming from high vantage points. Agree a rendez-vous point in case you lose your team
and agree a “safe” place where you can retreat if the situation becomes too dangerous.

On the ground:

• Try not go alone and if you can, take someone to watch your back if you’re shooting
pictures.

• As soon as you arrive, look for escape routes and ensure you know the landmarks to
head for if you become disorientated.

• Try to stay on the edge of the crowd and do not get caught on the line between police
and protestors.

• Crowds have a life of their own. Be constantly aware of the mood and attitude.

• Alert your editors if the mood starts to change and begin to think of what your plan is.

• If planning to change direction, seek advice from people who have just come from the
direction you’re heading.

• Television crews should travel as light as possible. If experiencing aggression, ensure
your backpack is big enough to hold the tripod and pack it away. Be prepared to leave it
behind if you need to run away.

When trouble erupts:

• Avoid horses. They bite and kick.

• Try to stay upwind from tear gas.

•  Try to avoid getting in the line of the water being fired as it will damage your kit. It often
has dye in it for the security forces to be able to identify the protestors after.

• If the police detain you, try to ask them to call the person in charge if you have their
number. Try to speak to a senior officer, as this will have more impact.

• Call your editor, ensure legal advice is available through your organisaiton.

• Try to avoid violence if you can and move away to film if necessary.

Safety advice for media working in Nigeria

6 February 2013

The International News Safety Institute urges journalists and media workers to exercise extreme caution while operating in some areas of Nigeria.

Violence in northern Nigeria has escalated in the past two years. There is a high threat of terrorism and attacks are indiscriminate.

Curfews are being enforced across Nigeria, including Plateau, Kaduna and Yobe States and Kano City, Kogi Central Senatorial District and Mubi town in Adamawa State. Curfews are regularly used following incidents of unrest and can be imposed and lifted at short notice. Journalists and media workers will have to comply with these curfews, which can be monitored via local media outlets, if not risk arrest.

International news events have triggered anti-Western demonstrations, and Western diplomatic missions, interests and citizens could be the focus for protests. INSI encourages journalists to exercise caution while covering protests. News events may also present some opportunities for terrorist groups to exploit.

Demonstrations have occurred in a number of cities across northern Nigeria as well as Abuja.

Be vigilant while operating around government, security and educational institutions and international organisations as well as public venues such as restaurants, bars, markets, hotels, shopping centres, places of worship and areas frequented by expatriates, foreign tourists and business travellers.

INSI advises journalists to maintain a low profile, vary routines, and not set regular patterns of movement while travelling. A number of attacks have taken place on public or religious holidays, and there have been regular attacks on churches in northern Nigeria at times of worship.

There is also a threat of kidnapping throughout Nigeria and foreign nationals have been the target of kidnaps. On 20 December 2012 a French national was kidnapped by armed men in Katsina state in northern Nigeria. On 12 May 2011 a British and an Italian national were kidnapped in Kebbi State. Both hostages were killed in Sokoto on 8 March 2012.

The Islamist sect Boko Haram (“Western Education/Values are Forbidden) has admitted to being behind a number of attacks against churches and other establishments since 2009. More than 600 people were killed last year on attacks blamed on it, while human rights groups say that the sect has killed more than 3,000 people since 2010. While Boko Haram has carried out many attacks, it is also clear that some of the attacks have been carried out by bandits with no links to Boko Haram. When no responsibility is taken, the violence is often discovered to be politically motivated rather than religiously driven.

INSI advises against travel for international journalists to the following areas:

Borno State
Yobe State
Riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States
Warri city
Kano city

Should it be vital to go there, a robust security plan must be in place, to prevent problems during the story.

INSI also urges journalists to exercise extreme caution while travelling in:

Bauchi State
Jos city
Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas in Plateau State
Gombe State
Mubi Town in Adamawa State and the area north of Mubi Town that borders Borno State
Non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States
Abia State
Kaduna City
Zaria City

If you need any further information on working in Nigeria please contact INSI – Hannah Storm (+44 7766 814274; email: hannah.storm@newssafety.org)