United States: CFWIJ condemns the police violence against journalist Talia Jane

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February 13, 2021, New York – Independent journalist Talia Jane was detained today while following the Black Lives Matters (BLM) protests in Manhattan. She was released shortly with no bail after her detention. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the police violence that continues despite the new administration in the United States. We demand a peaceful environment in which journalists freely do their jobs.

According to NYC Protest Updates, several people including journalist Talia Jane were arrested late at night during the anti-police protests in Times Square. Also, photographer Sam Costanza of the NY Daily News was assaulted in the BLM protest. Sam told Daily News that he suffered a broken nose.

Journalist Talia Jane took Twitter to reveal her situation. She said, “I was detained tonight by the NYPD while taking hard footage (not live reporting) of an F12 demonstration.” Despite showing her press card to the police, Talia was handcuffed and her wrists were bruised because of the tight flex cuffs.  

The journalist was released shortly after her detention with no bails. She added, “No bail required. Received a desk appearance for “unlawful assembly,” 

Reporter Oliya Scootercaster was also covering the BLM protests. She reported that 11 people including members of the press were arrested. She shoots the scene while reporter Tom Ella was also taken. 

Demonstrations sparked across the United States after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, in the pursuit of justice. With numerous police forces deployed to protest sites, journalists face the constant threat of violence, arrest and censorship. Hundreds of journalists have reported having faced attempts at censorship, verbal attacks, blatant threats and police violence. Hundreds of journalists have been arrested while on duty and black journalists who take the ongoing civil unrest very personally are especially targeted. At least 35 women journalists have faced a form of threat or attack covering the protests. 

 

This kind of hostility towards journalists is a disgrace for the freedom of the press in the United States. The Coalition For Women In Journalism considers that police violence continues despite the new administration in the U.S. We urge authorities’ law enforcement to respect citizens’ first amendment rights and stop attacking journalists.