WPF is alarmed by harassment of journalists, raises concerns for safety of reporters covering far-right protests

Location: United Kingdom, England, Northern Ireland
Date: August 5, 2024

Surge in attacks on journalists covering anti-Muslim riots across the United Kingdom indicates a disturbing trend of escalating violence against the press. Journalists have been subjected to harassment, threats, intimidation, and physical assaults while documenting the unrest. We are deeply concerned for the safety of reporters covering this violence on the ground and urge media outlets to provide their reporters with adequate protective equipment and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety as riots continue. Journalists are facing threats from both far-right agitators, who frequently film reporters to intimidate and disrupt their work, as well as harassment from counter-protestors. Reporting on these demonstrations is vital, and any attempt to impede the press through aggressive tactics is unacceptable. We urgently call for a swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on the press. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with all those risking their safety to report on these hate-fueled demonstrations.

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Sky News’ Becky Johnson and Crew Intimidated in Birmingham

On August 5, 2024, Birmingham, England witnessed a troubling escalation of violence against journalists covering a volatile situation involving local Muslim communities and rumors of a far-right protest. Among those targeted was Sky News communities correspondent Becky Johnson, who experienced severe intimidation while reporting live from the scene.

Johnson’s team was surrounded by masked individuals who demanded they leave, escalating to an attempted attack on their broadcast van. As the team prepared to leave, a balaclava-clad assailant attempted to slash a tire with a knife. Fortunately, no damage was inflicted, and the team managed to escape safely. Johnson later expressed her gratitude to her security personnel, cameraman, and producer for their support during the ordeal.

Charlotte Leeming and Hope Yeomans Harassed in Middlesbrough

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Sky News North of England correspondent Charlotte Leeming was forced to halt live coverage due to severe intimidation by masked men wielding weapons in Middlesbrough. The threatening environment made it unsafe for her and her team to continue reporting.

In response to the danger, her studio colleague assured her of their support and advised her to prioritize her safety, acknowledging the high-risk nature of the situation.

Sky News North of England producer Hope Yeomans reported additional troubling incidents, noting that other journalists were also targeted by rioters. The journalist described how big groups of men draped in England flags targeted an area of Middlesbrough that is predominantly Asian, setting fire to vehicles and smashing windows.

According to Yeomans, she and her colleagues faced accusations of bias and obstruction from those protesting, with some experiencing physical attacks on their equipment, including instances of camera gear being smashed and stolen.

Amanda Ferguson Attacked in Belfast

While covering violent protests on August 3, 2024, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, journalist Amanda Ferguson was attacked by a man who slapped her phone out of her hand, damaging it. The man also called the freelance journalist a "traitor" while filming her.

Séamus Dooley, the Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), expressed outrage over the attack. "Filming journalists while they work is intended to intimidate. Amanda is a diligent and committed journalist, and it is shocking to see her subjected to this type of attack."

Amanda later detailed the hostile encounter in an article for The Belfast Telegraph’s Sunday Life. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is currently investigating the incident.

Other attacks against journalists covering far-right riots and counter-protests across the UK:

Southport (July 30, 2024):

• Liverpool Echo editor Maria Breslin reported a team member was attacked; equipment stolen, glasses broken, and cuts and bruises sustained.

• Other journalists were spat at and had to seek shelter.

Birmingham (August 5, 2024):

• LBC reporter Fraser Knight and team were chased and harassed by a group of men.

Bristol (August 3, 2024):

• Sky News correspondent Tom Cheshire and cameraman were hit with beer bottles during a riot.

Belfast (August 4, 2024):

• Belfast Telegraph visuals editor Kevin Scott's car was attacked and damaged by a crowd.

Southport (July 30, 2024):

• ITV News crew had to leave an area due to hostile crowds.

• Journalist Jack Hadfield was punched, lost a tooth, and had his phone charger stolen; he was later attacked by a group who demanded he delete images.

The attacks on the press are occurring amid a wave of far-right, anti-immigration riots across the United Kingdom, sparked by social media disinformation following the horrific fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, England. A 17-year-old male, later revealed to be born in Wales to parents from Rwanda, was arrested for the attack. Despite having no known links to Islam, false rumors quickly spread online, falsely claiming an Islamist connection and that the attacker was an asylum seeker.

Most of the protests occurred in England, including towns and cities across the Midlands and North, such as Blackpool, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Bolton, Liverpool, and Sunderland. These demonstrations, initially organized as anti-immigration marches on platforms like X, WhatsApp, and Telegram, quickly descended into chaos. Protesters set fire to two Holiday Inn hotels in Rotherham and Tamworth, believed to be housing asylum seekers, causing significant damage and terror among residents.

These multiple attacks on the press highlight the dangers journalists face while covering protests, particularly in environments charged with hate and extremism. Women Press Freedom condemns these hostile actions and urges immediate, concrete measures to protect journalists. Media organizations must prioritize the safety of their reporters through comprehensive risk assessments and the provision of safety gear. We call on the police in England and Northern Ireland to commit to thoroughly investigating the attacks on  journalists and to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.