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Two photojournalists assaulted

(MFWA/IFEX) - Two photojournalists working with two Accra-based media outlets were attacked on September 15, 2009 by supporters of a suspected drug criminal and fashion designer who is standing trial for attempting to smuggle narcotics out of the country.

The journalists, Allan Davidston, cameraman at TV3 Network, and Emmanuel Kubi, photographer for privately-owned "Daily Guide" newspaper, were subjected to physical assaults. Davidston sustained minor injuries on his wrist while Kubi's camera was damaged.

Media Foundation for West Africa's (MFWA) correspondent reported that the incident occurred at the premises of the Accra High Court, where a large crowd of mainly family members and students of the suspect's modeling school had converged in solidarity with him.

Davidston told the MFWA correspondent that three of the students emerged from the crowd and beat him up while he was busily filming the crowd. "They also attempted to seize my camera", he told the correspondent.

Kubi told Accra-based Joy FM radio station that he was attacked while photographing the assault on Davidston.

Davidston reported the incident to the police station. He has since been treated and discharged from hospital.