Police Target Journalists Covering Protests in the US
HAVANA TIMES — In response to reports of attacks against journalists in recent days by police and protesters while covering demonstrations across the U.S., the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement:
“Targeted attacks on journalists, media crews, and news organizations covering the demonstrations show a complete disregard for their critical role in documenting issues of public interest and are an unacceptable attempt to intimidate them,” said CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna. “Authorities in cities across the U.S. need to instruct police not to target journalists and ensure they can report safely on the protests without fear of injury or retaliation.”
CPJ is investigating reports of attacks and arrests in recent days in Louisville, Kentucky; Las Vegas, Nevada; Atlanta; and Washington, D.C. Journalists can consult CPJ’s safety notes for covering civil unrest for advice on how to minimize the risks of reporting on protests.
Mr MacD,
The CPJ has issued various statements regarding the harassment of independent journalists in Cuba. I presume that you, like me, would approve of such statements which draw attention to this use of Cuban state forces.
In this instance the CPJ is referring to deliberate, targeted attacks on journalists by state forces in the USA. It does not seem to be referring to accidents or cases of mistaken identity.
You seem to be implying that the CPJ is, in this case, incorrect to issue this particular statement. You seem to be implying that these ‘targeted attacks’ as described are not targeted at all. That they are accidental ??
You are suggesting that the CPJ are wrong in this case ??
See, Cuba isn’t the only country that represses journalists. The U.S needs to look in their own backyard before criticizing and sanctioning other countries.
Watching and listening to the journalists of NBC and CNN reporting upon the demonstrations and related burning and looting, one can actually understand the difficulties police have in distinguishing media reporters from other people, as they do not wear any form of distinguishing clothing – as commonly practiced by journalists in other countries, with the word PRESS clearly printed on clothing and head gear. One recognizes the need for independent journalists, but their reporting frequently is biased by the political viewpoint of their employing organization. There is plentiful evidence illustrated by the interpretation placed upon the same event by for example, CNN and Fox News. Usually the actual truth lies somewhere in between.
Only The Truth shall set you FREE. And that’s what Journalism is all about. Not the government line, not the corporate interests line, not the radicals line but The Truth as witnessed without BIAS. Difficult it is I know.