Union condemns German police violence toward journalists
The German Journalists Association on Monday condemned attacks by police against reporters covering a far-left protest in the eastern city of Leipzig on Saturday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The German Journalists Association on Monday condemned attacks by police against reporters covering a far-left protest in the eastern city of Leipzig on Saturday.
The union, known by its German acronym DJV, said at least three journalists were physically assaulted by officers, while several other reporters said they were hindered from doing their work by police despite showing their press credentials.
The DJV's chair in Saxony state, Ine Dippmann, condemned the attacks “in the sharpest possible way” and expressed regret that they had taken place despite “the many conversations we have had with police leaders in the past months and years.”
The union said one freelancer camera operator was knocked down by police in riot gear running down a small street. Berlin-based camera operator Conall Kearney said he was filming stone throwers when the police charged.
“I was very clearly displayed as press, but when they ran past me, one shoved me into the car and another officer punched me in the back of the head,” he told The Associated Press.
Kearney said his equipment was damaged in the attack and he has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of replacing and repairing it.
Leipzig police said seven officers were injured after the protest in solidarity with a far-left group turned violent. Police said they were examining videos showing the attacks on reporters and were seeking their witness statements.