RSF - Reporters sans frontières

09/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 00:47

UK: RSF calls for zero tolerance of violence against journalists covering riots

An alarming number of journalists covering far-right riots and counter-protests in the United Kingdom have been attacked or threatened while trying to do their jobs. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the authorities to do all they can to ensure journalists can work safely, and to prosecute those seeking to intimidate them.

The UK has experienced its worst civil unrest in more than a decade, following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in the seaside town of Southport on 29 July. Riots in towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland have been fuelled by mis- and disinformation spread online by influencersseeking to manipulate anti-immigration sentiment and encourage people to gather.

A worrying number of journalists covering the story have been attacked, intimidated, chased, or had equipment damagedby those participating in the unrest, who do not want to be filmed or accuse reporters of being aligned with the authorities.

It has been deeply alarming to see so many aggressive attempts to stop journalists covering the riots and counter-protests in recent days. Violence against journalists must never be tolerated. It is vital for democracy that reporters and photographers can do their jobs and document the civil unrest, and we call on the security forces to do all they can to prevent such attacks and prosecute the perpetrators.

Fiona O'Brien
UK Bureau Director

On 5 August in Birmingham, a Sky Newsteam was followed by a man in a balaclava with a knife who tried to stab the tyre of their vehicle, while an LBC journalist said he was chased and abused. The previous day, AFPpublished footage of protesters seizing a camerafrom a journalist in Middlesbrough and throwing it to the ground. A journalist in Belfastwas called a traitor and had her phone slapped out of her hand. Other journalists have reported being punched, having a brick or beer bottles thrown at them, being intimidated while on air by men carrying weapons, or needing to leave the area because of security concerns.

The National Union for Journalists has called on employersto ensure journalists have access to appropriate safety equipment and are not sent out on assignment alone.

The UK is ranked 23rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2024 World Press Freedom Index.

Published on09.08.2024