The All-China Journalists Association (ACJA) voiced its support on Saturday for journalists' rights of supervision after a reporter was beaten when attempting to interview a stand-up comedian.

"It is imperative to safeguard journalists' legitimate rights to interview and stop any misconduct that interferes with journalists' legitimate interviews," read a brief announcement posted on the ACJA's website.

"To have supervision in accordance with the law is the legitimate rights of news organizations," it added.

The move came after Zhou Wenfu, a Beijing Television (BTV) reporter, was repeatedly punched Sunday when attempting to interview Guo Degang, China's most famous stand-up comedian at his villa, according to clips of the beating that have been widely circulated on the Internet and broadcast on BTV.

Zhou was trying to verify reports that Guo had illegally extended his property onto the public green space.