Journalists attacked while covering clashes between rival demonstrators

Read in Arabic (بالعربية) Reporters Without Borders is worried about the recent widespread physical attacks on journalists, who were again targeted when rival demonstrations by Muslim Brotherhood supporters and opponents of President Mohamed Morsi led to violent clashes on 19 April. “We condemn the repeated attacks on journalists, who are finding it harder and harder to do their job,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Covering demonstrations or clashes is dangerous work, because the participants want to prevent media coverage and do not hesitate to threaten or attack reporters. This is a serious violation of freedom of information.” Thousands gathered outside the supreme court in Cairo on 19 April to demand a “purge of the judicial system” in response to a call from the Muslim Brotherhood. Then anti-Morsi demonstrators arrived and the two groups clashed violently. Journalists covering the clashes were themselves attacked by demonstrators and at least five were injured. Both Muslim Brotherhood supporters and members of the anti-Morsi “Black Bloc” counter-demonstration attacked journalists. It was Black Bloc protesters who attacked Ibrahim Al-Masry of the El-Badil website, who sustained serious face and neck injuries, and Khabar News Network journalist Ahmed Nasef, who sustained a hand injury. They also threatened other journalists, deleting photos and video recordings. Muslim Brotherhood supporters attacked Al-Dawla News journalist Ismail Ahmed Mohamed Ismail, who sustained cuts and bruises, and threatened an Al-Arabiyya TV crew, smashing their equipment. The station said its cameraman, Mohamed Karam, was badly beaten by demonstrators. Similar events occurred in Alexandria, where at least six journalists were attacked. In most cases, they were attacked while filming. Equipment and recordings were destroyed, leaving no doubt about the targeted nature of the attacks.