The letter to Gibbs is seeking a public explanation for the raid at Newsday, noting that a similar police search took place last December at the CCN TV6 office.
"While the TTPBA does not seek to interfere with the course of justice, the manner in which these raids have been conducted may be interpreted as acts of intimidation," the media body said.
"The role of our media practitioners is to inform our public. When such raids are conducted it sends a negative message that the police are trying to muzzle the media. As a democracy, our citizens have the right to knowledge and information presented by the media," the letter added.
The letter to the Police Complaints Authority asks for an investigation into both police raids.
"It is unclear what the grounds were for such a show of police force. It appears to be inconsistent with normal police procedure when serving a warrant.
The letter to the Police Complaints Authority asks for an investigation into both police raids.
"It is unclear what the grounds were for such a show of police force. It appears to be inconsistent with normal police procedure when serving a warrant.
"In both instances the media houses were working towards cooperating with the authorities, but despite this, they were raided. The TTPBA wants to know why this approach was used and what the intention is with such exercises."
The Association said freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution of Trinidad & Tobago and reiterated that when such incidents occur, it appears to be an attack on and a threat to democracy and the fundamental right as citizens.
The Association said freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution of Trinidad & Tobago and reiterated that when such incidents occur, it appears to be an attack on and a threat to democracy and the fundamental right as citizens.
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