Police in Berlin injure Journalists during Press Conference
On a Sunday in the capital, another journalist found themselves the target of violence yet again. This time, it was during a demonstration involving around 500 antifascists who were preventing a march of neo-Nazis in the Mitte district. The victim was easily identifiable as a journalist, wearing a press pass around his neck as he filmed with his phone.
Just a few weeks prior, veteran videojournalist Ignacio Rosaslanda had found himself victim to a similar attack. He was allegedly punched in the face by police officers and held in custody for hours, all while wearing a press pass. Rosaslanda's video of the incident is currently being investigated by the state criminal office on suspicion of assault by a public official.
Two videos on social media show the more recent episode. One is from the camera of the attacked journalist, showing police officers arresting antifascists from a distance. However, one officer barges into the journalist, saying, "Don't interfere with the police action," to which the journalist replies, "I'm press." Visibly annoyed, the officer continues to push the journalist. A second officer then forcefully pushes him to the ground.
After falling, the journalist continues to film from the ground. He briefly gets up to tend to his ankle before collapsing once more. A detained antifascist woman calls out concern as two officers hold her in a painful grip. Despite his circumstances, the journalist never stops filming the unfolding chaos.
Following the incident, the association called for a comprehensive investigation, disciplinary action, and transparent measures to ensure press freedom in future police deployments. An official letter was sent to the police president of Berlin and the senator for the interior and sports.
The Senate Department for the Interior, upon request, referred to the police's responsibility in the case but chose not to respond within the given deadline.
The latest report on press freedom, published by Reporters Without Borders, documents five cases of violence against press representatives by the police in Berlin last year. In 2024, incidents of violence against journalists in Germany doubled, according to the organization.
In the broader context, Berlin has a history of problematic police actions, particularly around sensitive political issues. For example, on Nakba Day in May 2025, police violently cracked down on protesters, resulting in arrests and injuries [4]. As for press freedom, there have been challenges in parts of Europe, including Germany, with media outlets like red. media facing difficulties due to their reporting on Palestine solidarity movements [5].
If an incident of police violence against a press journalist in Berlin does get comprehensively investigated, it could involve investigations by organizations like the German Police Union or external bodies like the European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency. Potential responses might include internal police investigations, public statements from authorities, and potential legal action if laws have been violated. However, specific details regarding an incident in 2024 remain unknown.
- The latest incident involving a journalist being assaulted during a demonstration in Berlin, captured on social media, raises concerns about press freedom in the context of general-news and crime-and-justice reporting.
- In light of the rising number of incidents of violence against journalists in Germany and the history of problematic police actions, particularly around sensitive political issues, there is a pressing need for comprehensive investigations to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of politics and press freedom.
