US – RSF condemns the violent assaults on journalists covering Charlottesville protests | RSF

16.8.17

US – RSF condemns the violent assaults on journalists covering Charlottesville protests | RSF: “RSF is deeply disturbed by the violence exhibited by protesters toward members of the media at this weekend’s protests,” says Delphine Halgand, Director of RSF’s North America bureau. “It is crucial that journalists are present to document such protests, and they should feel safe to do so without risking injury or worse. These kinds of violent attacks are unfortunately not so uncommon in the United States recently. For example, in May the Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs was attacked by a congressional candidate, and during the #BlackLivesMatter protests journalists were thrown to the ground. We condemn all physical attacks on journalists who are merely trying to do their jobs, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim who was killed at the protest.”



Journalists across the nation traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia, this weekend to cover the protest, which attracted hundreds of white supremacists and antifascists. Some said their newsrooms had been preparing for this protest, which many assumed would turn violent, for weeks and months. It was “all hands on deck,” according to The Daily Progress’ Ryan Kelly, who captured one of the more graphic images of the weekend.