New York Times journalist staring at expulsion over graphic photos

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has demanded New York Times (NYT) to pull down gory pictures that they used on their publication during the Dust D2 terrorist attack and issue an apology.

“In light of the foregoing, the MCK demands that your publications pulls down the insensitive pictures within 24hours and make an unconditional apology on the matter. We believe this will be a step in regaining confidence in regard to the professionalism of your articles,” said Mr David Omwoyo the chief executive to the board.

This comes after the defiant NYT declined to withdraw the photos used in the article titled Shabab Claim Responsibility for Deadly Assault on Nairobi Hotel-Office Complex, causing an uproar on social media platforms.

KOT led an aggressive attack against NYT over what they termed as insensitive and disrespectful journalism with some calling for the deportation of the NYT incoming Chief Bureau Komiko de Freitas Tamura in a hashtag #DeportKomiko.

MCK has further issued an ultimatum to the media house should they fail to comply with the demands the council seeks on the matter.

“Take note, in the event the pictures are not pulled down with 24hours as requested, the MCK will initiate relevant action against your publication not limited to revocation/suspension of accreditation of journalist working with New York Times in Kenya. You are hereby required to inform the Council of your action within 48hours and not later than 21st January,” said Omwoyo.

READ: FOREIGN JOURNALISTS DEFEND NEW YORK TIMES EDITOR OVER GRAPHIC PHOTOS

The council expressed their disappointment with NYT on the coverage they provided during the terrorism attack.

“It is unfortunate that your publication, without due respect to the victims, families of the victims and Kenyans in general you chose to publish images that show dead victims of the terror attack,” he said.

“It is indeed appalling that despite having covered numerous such attacks in Europe, Asia and the US, this is the first time your publication has decided to publish bullet ridden close ups of victims. This brings into question why Dust attack was handled recklessly without regards to professionalism in reporting,” added Mr omwoyo.

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MCK has dismissed claims by NYT that the pictures used were meant to give readers a clear image of the attack, rather he said that they amount to glorify and parade the ‘success’ of the terror attack.

Mr Omwoyo has urged all journalists in Kenya to respect the rules on responsible journalism by ensuring compliance with code of conduct for the practice of reporting.