The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) has condemned the reported threats against journalists who the covered recent high-profile court cases.

Jamaica Observer reporter Karyl Walker and Abka Fitz-Henley of Nationwide News Network have reported that they have received threats over their coverage of the Vybz Kartel murder trial.

In a statement this afternoon, the MAJ chairman, Christopher Barnes, said the nation should embrace press freedom.

"Our journalists work very hard in search of truth and must be allowed to carry out their work on behalf of Jamaican citizens without threats or acts of violence against them", said Barnes said.

"Media play a critical role in disseminating information in the public's interest and, we must as a nation embrace and support an environment of press freedom."

Noting that Jamaica's 17th place ranking on the 2014 World Press Freedom Index was worse than 2013 13th place ranking, Barnes stressed that threats against the institution of journalism and the work done by journalists will further erode the ranking.

"Journalists in this country need even greater freedom to responsibly report on issues which curtail growth and development of the country," said Barnes.

The MAJ further said the threats will serve to mar Jamaica's upcoming World Press Freedom Day celebration, and, if continued or carried out, will have a lasting negative effect on the Jamaican media landscape.

World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1993, will be celebrated globally on May 3, 2014.

It is a day to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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