European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Journalists covering riots that broke out in Mitrovica following a police anti-smuggling operation were chased, assaulted and abused by rioters; some had Molotov cocktails or explosive devices thrown at them.

The Turkish Association of Journalists’ report also shows that the 2nd quarter of 2021 saw 79 press workers standing trial, 18 of whom were tried on charges of “insulting the President”.

Two of the victims reportedly lost consciousness as they were transported by emergency services to hospital in Vatra Dornei. All their footage was deleted and the equipment was destroyed by the attackers.

Kuzhelny was approached by individuals who demanded the removal of photos he had taken during the protest, at which other journalists had also been beaten. They then attacked him, delivering numerous kicks to his head as he lay on the ground.

“We were shocked to learn that some European countries, such as Belgium, were still sending rejected asylum seekers back to Afghanistan… European countries owe assistance to Afghan refugees, including journalists and media workers who have sometimes taken undue risks to inform world opinion.”

The European Federation of Journalists, the European Council of Literary Translators’ Associations and the European Writers Council call on the governments of Europe and the international community to support the democracy movement in Belarus and provide refuge and humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the country.

Authorities will treat cases involving attacks on journalists in the same way as they treat assaults on police officers. There will also be new penalties for assaulting a journalist or a media worker, and online harassment will be criminalised.

Groups of protesters against mandatory vaccination clashed with police and broke into the DIAS media group building that houses Sigma TV. The mob attacked staff, set cars in the parking lot on fire and trashed the offices.