UK: RSF calls for zero tolerance of violence against journalists covering riots
An alarming number of journalists covering far-right riots and counter-protests in the United Kingdom have been attacked or threatened while trying to do their jobs. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the authorities to do all they can to ensure journalists can work safely, and to prosecute those seeking to intimidate them.
The UK has experienced its worst civil unrest in more than a decade, following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in the seaside town of Southport on 29 July. Riots in towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland have been fuelled by mis- and disinformation spread online by influencers seeking to manipulate anti-immigration sentiment and encourage people to gather.
A worrying number of journalists covering the story have been attacked, intimidated, chased, or had equipment damaged by those participating in the unrest, who do not want to be filmed or accuse reporters of being aligned with the authorities.
It has been deeply alarming to see so many aggressive attempts to stop journalists covering the riots and counter-protests in recent days. Violence against journalists must never be tolerated. It is vital for democracy that reporters and photographers can do their jobs and document the civil unrest, and we call on the security forces to do all they can to prevent such attacks and prosecute the perpetrators.
On 5 August in Birmingham, a Sky News team was followed by a man in a balaclava with a knife who tried to stab the tyre of their vehicle, while an LBC journalist said he was chased and abused. The previous day, AFP published footage of protesters seizing a camera from a journalist in Middlesbrough and throwing it to the ground. A journalist in Belfast was called a traitor and had her phone slapped out of her hand. Other journalists have reported being punched, having a brick or beer bottles thrown at them, being intimidated while on air by men carrying weapons, or needing to leave the area because of security concerns.
The National Union for Journalists has called on employers to ensure journalists have access to appropriate safety equipment and are not sent out on assignment alone.
The UK is ranked 23rd out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
- Europe - Central Asia
- United Kingdom
- Disinformation and propaganda
- Violence against journalists
- News
- Reporter (Visiting reporter / War reporter)
- Cameraman, video reporter
- Photographer (Photojournalist)
- Human rights
- Press freedom
- Freedom of opinion and expression
- Right to news and information
- Threats and pressure
- Harassment
