The FXI is concerned that protests against the media is the beginning of a new offensive.

JOHANNESBURG - The Freedom of Expression Institute says it is worried a series of recent protests against the media is the start of a new offensive on the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Last week saw the African National Congress (ANC) protest against an Eyewitness News cartoon, with the party's chief whip complaining to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) about the depictions of voters and an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) march to the offices of the _Mail & Guardian _ and ENCA.

ANC Youth League members and supporters protest outside the Mail & Guardian offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg, 5 June 2014. Picture: Masego Rahlaga/EWN.

The institute's director Phenyo Butale says they think this is the start of something.

"What we see here is what looks like an attempt to build up a case for a future clamp down of freedom of expression and freedom of the media."

But the ANCYL's Bandile Masuku says their protest on Thursday was just about getting the media to report correctly.

"We were protesting for fair and balanced reporting that should happen by the media."

He's also denied any attempt to bully reporters.

Watch: ANCYL pickets outside M&G offices