Journalists assaulted during demonstrations in Romania
The Romanian authorities are being asked to investigate thoroughly the recent attacks on several journalists made during the current demonstrations in Bucharest.
Journalists from various media outlets were reportedly assaulted while covering anti-government protests that turned violent on 15 and 16 January. Some of the journalists were attacked despite visibly displaying their press identification, informs Dunja Mijatovic, the representative of the Freedom of the Media department from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
“I am particularly concerned that police officers reportedly also attacked journalists, including Cristian Zarescu from Romania TV and Lucian Negrea from the DC News Website,” said Mrs. Mijatović.
Among the journalists who were assaulted by the protesters are TV workers employed by Antena 3, some of them suffering head injuries. The report said that protesters threw stones towards a car which belongs to Romania’s national broadcasting service, TVR.
“Journalists must be free to report on public events including protests and demonstrations. The duty of the police is to protect journalists, not harass them. I urge the Romanian authorities to investigate these attacks, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” added Mrs. Mijatović.
Moldova.ORG
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