RCMP seeks to vet questions for UAE officer
When the Royal Canadian Mounted Police invited reporters to an event in St. John’s honouring female police officers, it included an unusual request. Journalists who want to interview the officer of the year were asked to submit their questions for review in advance.
When the Royal Canadian Mounted Police invited reporters to an event in St. John’s honouring female police officers, it included an unusual request. Journalists who want to interview the officer of the year were asked to submit their questions for review in advance.
The Canadian Press reports that the RCMP cited “diplomatic protocol” in asking reporters to e-mail their questions to the RCMP in advance, for review by UAE officials, and asked that no questions other than those submitted in advance be asked.
Canadian Press interviewed Chris Waddell, director of the School of Journalism and Communication and Carleton University, who called the diplomatic protocol claim “baloney.”
“This isn’t appropriate in Canada and shouldn’t be happening,” Waddell told CP.
Grant Buckler is a retired freelance journalist and a volunteer with Canadian Journalists for Free Expression and lives in Kingston, Ont.
September 13, 2012
If she don’t like the
If she don't like the questions; she don't have to answer them. It worked at the Whitehouse. If she wants free and credible press coverage she has to let the press operate according to Canadian rules. In the press game, no game is won by default if the team doesn't show. Maintien le Droit – defend the law can also be interpreted maintain the right or the freedom, the RCMP put it on their cap badge but they don't practice it. They set a poor example to the UAE of freedom of the press.