This week in press freedom
This is the latest installment of our new press freedom round-up, recapping the latest attacks on journalists, their right to publish, and our right to know. Here’s the news for the week of September 1, 2024.
Journalists injured by Israel army in West Bank
Israeli forces continue to prevent journalists from covering the destruction in Jenin amid ongoing raids in the occupied West Bank. At least 4 journalists have been injured as they came under direct attacks by Israeli snipers, despite wearing press vests.
IFJ and NUJ condemn UK’s apparent misuse of anti-terror legislation
In a letter to the UK’s Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, the NUJ and IFJ have expressed their grave concern about an apparent crackdown on journalists and activists using terrorism legislation and have urged the government to ensure its powers are used proportionately.
“We seek clarity from you on the nature of the investigation into Richard Medhurst and request an urgent meeting to discuss the use of police powers under anti-terror legislation to detain, question and arrest journalists”, the letter says. “Without swift action to restore confidence over the treatment of journalists and activists, counter-terrorism policing faces an erosion of public confidence and risks a chilling effect on journalists fearing arrest for carrying out their work.”
Reporters covering protests outside the DNC speak out on CPD
Freedom of the Press Foundation convened a forum for independent journalists who reported on the protests outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago to discuss their experiences in dealing with the Chicago Police Department. The issues they raised went beyond the usual tension between officers and reporters on the ground: the reporters pointed out that they were threatened with arrest and the revocation of their press credentials if they didn’t comply with orders to disperse. The CPD has also limited the space from which they could cover the protests, further violating their First Amendment rights.
Australian Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) stands in solidarity with journalists in Gaza
“We remember and honor all media workers killed by Israel in Gaza and express solidarity with journalists in Gaza who are risking their lives every day. These journalists are the eyes of the world, bearing witness,” MEAA Federal Council said in a resolution passed at a meeting in Sydney.