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

Roberta Knoll

21 November 2020

No Comments

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.

Read news by categories:

Related news

Jobs

Journalists-in-Residence Programm-Mitarbeiter*in

READ MORE
Statement

Serbia: New draft media laws represent another step backward for media freedom

The partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) today raise the alarm about two draft media laws brought forward by the Serbian government for their lack of compliance with international freedom of expression standards.

READ MORE
Feature

Murdered, surveilled and sued: decisive action needed to protect journalists and salvage press freedom in Greece

Following a mission to Athens, eight international organisations call on the Government and Prime Minister to show political courage and urgently improve the climate for independent journalism and salvaging press freedom in Greece.

READ MORE
Statement

Urgent appeal to European Parliament: Ban spyware against journalists

ECPMF and 79 civil society and journalists' associations are calling on European Parliament to ensure that journalists are completely protected from spyware in the European Media Freedom Act.

READ MORE
Press release

Turkey: Annual international press freedom mission to Ankara, Diyarbakır, and Istanbul

Between 2 and 5 October 2023, five international media freedom organisations will conduct an annual joint press freedom mission to Ankara, Diyarbakır and Istanbul.

READ MORE
Statement

Cyprus: Call for thorough investigations into surveillance of Makarios Drousiotis

We are highly concerned about the alleged surveillance of journalist Makarios Drousiotis, and the lack of prompt, adequate or thorough investigation of the matter.

READ MORE