Several Ugandan journalists were arrested today while attempting to report on events unfolding after the controversial Ugandan presidential elections. The journalists went to the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is under house arrest by the Museveni regime, after an election controversy where Besigye is claiming that the elections were rigged. Three journalist were arrested and falsely accused of obstructing the police in their duties. A video has emerged showing the actual arrest of one of the journalists, proving the police account of events to be a blatant lie.

Remmy Bahati, a TV reporter for NBS TV, spoke to us after her arrest. She informed us that she was manhandled, beaten and that a police officer had fondled her while she was in the police van. The NBS TV video, reveals the facts: Bahati was standing outside on the street, with a group of about 30 other people. When she walked into the street with her microphone, followed by TV cameras a police officer asked her to move away. She immediately obliged and moved with her crew to a safe area quite a distance away from the police. As she started her report, she was physically attacked from behind by 3 police officers in riot gear. She was given no warning. She continued to speak into the microphone. “Oh God, I’m being arrested.” The video shows that she was in no way being provocative, obstructive or unruly. The video shows her being hauled away, and that she was manhandled by several officers. It was clear that the purpose was to silent the press report. She was causing no harm nor any danger.… More Ugandan Journalist Arrested and Beaten by Police While Covering News