The National Assembly Secretariat instituted a ban on video recording within Parliament House after lawmakers raised concerns about journalists recording their interviews and statements without consent, which were then shared on social media.
Working journalists often seek the views of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and record these interactions on their mobile phones in the corridors following assembly sessions and meetings of standing committees regarding various national and international issues.
They frequently pose direct or challenging questions that may not align with the interests of the ruling parties. In addition to using this content for mainstream media, journalists also share it on social platforms.
Concerned about the content being shared on social media, the National Assembly Secretariat prohibited all forms of video recording inside the building.
The Director General of Media for the National Assembly, in a letter to the Parliamentary Reporters Association, noted that during the 10th session of the assembly, it was observed that some journalists approached members in the corridors and recorded their interviews or comments without consent, later posting these videos online.
The statement indicated that members of parliament had expressed significant reservations and displeasure regarding this practice, bringing the issue to the attention of the Speaker of the National Assembly.