The Congress of the People (Cope) agrees that the “Gupta-owned ANN7 and The New Age newspaper…are devoted to dishing out ruling party propaganda”. But‚ the party “vigorously disagrees with the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) including journalists in any fray”.This comes in reaction to EFF leader Julius Malema’s threats – during an attack on President Jacob Zuma and his relationship with the Gupta family - on Thursday that: "We cannot guarantee the safety of those printing New Age and ANN7."Sisters and brothers in Gupta firms we love you and don't want you to be casualties.”Dennis Bloem said Cope “shares the deep concerns of the EFF and of many members of the tripartite alliance regarding the unholy relationship of President Zuma with the Gupta family”.“Even his closest comrades admit to his capture by private interests. His very close relationship with prominent business individuals and the money that has passed to him from them has been very troubling over the years‚” he said. “While we respect the views of the EFF on the Gupta-owned ANN7 and the New Age newspaper and share their sentiment that both are devoted to dishing out ruling party propaganda‚ we disagree with any kind of action against journalists who are employed there‚” Bloem added.“We have no problem with the EFF's campaign against the owners of the company…”He said his party “has consistently stood by the right of journalists to go about their work without any intimidation‚ harassment‚ molestation‚ hindrance or targeting”.“Our democracy will wilt if journalists are discriminated against for whatever reason‚" continued Bloem‚ adding that Cope “took an enormous beating at the hand of journalists for mishaps in our party”.“We made the story; they reported it as they saw it. That is how it should be.“Let us by all means attack media institutions that are dishing out propaganda. Let us‚ however‚ afford optimal protection to every journalist on every occasion...