‘It is becoming unbearable:’ Journalists say they have become ‘scapegoats’ at anti-vaccine protests

October 5, 2021 | Source: Monroe Gallery of Photography

 Via Committee to Protect Journalists

October 4, 2021



Journalists covering demonstrations against COVID-19 countermeasures have been called “terrorists,” “pedophiles,” “murderers,” and “scumbags.” Protesters have harassed and assaulted members of the press, and told them that “the nooses are ready.”

Threats like these have become increasingly familiar for reporters in Europe and the United States, where the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a CPJ partner, has recorded threats and assaults against reporters in cities including Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon

Full report here - “Being a journalist has always meant a certain level of risk,” Ambrožič said, “but the level of anxiety and stress due to the threats have increased enormously and it is becoming unbearable. It is a very harsh world for journalists, right now.”


Tags: COVID-19 freedom of the press news pandemic press freedom