OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns violence by extremists against journalists covering protests in Germany

VIENNA, 4 September 2018 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today condemned continued targeted attacks by extremists against journalists covering protests in Chemnitz, Germany. The condemnation follows the latest attacks during an anti-migrant demonstration on 1 September.

“These attacks against the press are unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Journalists must be able to safely report on public demonstrations, and it is the duty of law enforcement forces to ensure their safety and to take action against those who attack journalists,” said the Representative. “I welcome the fact that the police are investigating and have arrested a perpetrator of the assault on the camera team of the local public broadcaster MDR.”

Over the last few days, Chemnitz has seen a wave of demonstrations in support of extremist movements and political parties. During these protests, participants also targeted the press with historically loaded chants of “Lügenpresse” (lying press), and several journalists were physically attacked while covering the events.

• In one of the more serious incidents, a camera team from the local public broadcaster MDR was assaulted when the journalists requested access to a balcony to film the demonstrations;
• A reporter from Der Spiegel reported that demonstrators consistently attacked him and his colleagues, attempting to seize their camera equipment and toss it away;
• A reporter from Watson online news portal was physically attacked by protesters attempting to confiscate his camera and microphone, right next to a police tank;
• A female reporter with Buzzfeed Germany had her camera grabbed out of her hands and thrown away in an aggressive move by protestors;
• A camera crew of the network of regional public service broadcasters ARD was targeted and forced to stop filming;
• A journalist with Funke Medien was also attacked while filming the events.

“These latest attacks clearly show a very problematic trend of targeted attacks against journalists during demonstrations. No individual or group must be allowed to prevent journalists from doing their job,” said Désir. “It is of utmost importance that in the future the police take all necessary measures to ensure that journalists can safely report on issues of public interest.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.