Read on Twitter
Vilifying the press does not have abstract consequences. @bellingcat identified at least 29 separate incidents of law enforcement attacking reporters who were covering #GeorgeFloydProtests. "It is clear that they are being deliberately targeted." /1 https://www.bellingcat.com/news/americas/2020/05/31/us-law-enforcement-are-deliberately-targeting-journalists-during-george-floyd-protests/
. @bellingcat includes photos & videos of police attacks on people identifiable as journalists, including physical attacks & use of rubber bullets, stun grenades, tear gas, pepper spray etc. Plus several instances of law enforcement arresting journalists wearing press cards /2
According to @CPJAmericas, they are investigating reports of attacks and arrests targeting journalists in recent days in Louisville, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Washington D.C. /3 https://cpj.org/2020/05/cpj-condemns-targeting-of-journalists-covering-protests-across-the-u-s/
Keep in mind that many of these reporters work for major outlets, they have the benefit of training, safety gear, press cards, and hopefully access to lawyers & medical insurance. I can only imagine what's happening to freelancers who are going at it on their own /4
Ending this thread with @CPJAmericas resources on post-incident assistance for journalists. Please share
/ END https://cpj.org/emergency-response/post-incident-assistance/
/ END https://cpj.org/emergency-response/post-incident-assistance/
