Germany: attacks on journalists and media workers at the protests impede coverage

Roberta Knoll

21 November 2020

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Only two weeks after the numerous attacks on journalists during the “Querdenken” demonstration in Leipzig on 7 November, we are once again witnessing attacks on media workers during today’s demonstration in Leipzig and Hannover, on 21 November 2020. Once again, we are getting reports of violations to press and media freedom, which make it difficult for journalists and media workers to do their job. 

The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), located in Leipzig, strongly condemns all violence against journalists and media workers by demonstrators, and the police. We ask that no party restrict imperative reporting during demonstrations. We demand that press and media freedom be respected and safeguarded so that media workers can carry out their work unhindered. We urge the police to ensure the press are allowed to work safely and during demonstrations, especially since the media are  one of the main targets of the protests.

If you have been affected or if you have witnessed an attack on journalists you can report it here.

We monitor every alert on our platform Mapping Media Freedom. All alerts are verified by our team of experts and can trigger practical or legal support. Read more about our support programmes.

Nur zwei Wochen nach den zahlreichen Angriffen auf Journalist:innen während der „Querdenken“-Demonstration am 7. November in Leipzig, werden wir nochmals Zeuge von Übergriffen auf Medienschaffende während der heutigen Demonstrationen in Leipzig und Hannover, am 21. November 2020. Wieder wird die Presse- und Medienfreiheit mehrfach verletzt und es kann keine sichere Berichterstattung stattfinden.

Das Europäische Zentrum für Presse- und Medienfreiheit (ECPMF) verurteilt jegliche Gewalt gegen Journalist:innen und Medienschaffende durch Demonstrierende und die Polizei. Wir fordern noch einmal, die Presse- und Medienfreiheit zu schützen und zu respektieren, damit Medienschaffende ihre Arbeit friedlich ausüben können. Die Polizei muss der Presse sicheres Arbeiten ermöglichen und die Pressefreiheit während Demonstration garantieren, besonders, weil diese eines der Hauptziele der Proteste ist. 

Wenn Sie betroffen oder Zeug:in eines Übergriffs gegen Medienschaffende sind, können Sie es hier melden. Wir sammeln alle Verstöße gegen die Medienfreiheit  auf unserer Monitoring Plattform Mapping Media Freedom, welche von unseren Partnerorganisationen verifiziert werden und bieten Ihnen dafür praktischen und juristischen Support an.

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