Israeli police attacked a group of journalists outside the Old City of Jerusalem on Tuesday evening.
The violent incident left a CNN producer with a fractured wrist. Officers also damaged photographic equipment at the scene. In addition, they confiscated memory cards from working journalists.
Clashes Erupt During Ramadan Prayers
On Tuesday, Muslim worshippers gathered outside the Old City walls. Wartime restrictions barred them from praying at the Al-Aqsa mosque. They arrived to perform the Tarawih prayers of Ramadan instead.
However, police prevented them from praying. Officers pushed the worshippers away from the area.
Consequently, the worshippers relocated to a nearby street. Police then moved them again near the Old City walls. Moments later, officers threw stun grenades at the group.
Police Target Journalists Covering the Scene
Two journalists faced detention at the scene. Officers assaulted them and damaged their equipment. Several other journalists documented the unfolding incident.
CNN’s senior producer, Abeer Salman, attempted to intervene. Police pushed her and others away, though.
After authorities released the two detained journalists, Salman returned.
She and other journalists went to check on their colleagues. Police ordered the group to move back immediately.
Footage shows the group acquiescing to those instructions.
Suddenly, a plainclothes officer grabbed Salman’s hand. He twisted it, causing a fracture in her wrist.
Police Issue Contested Statement
In a statement, police accused journalists of refusing orders. They claimed the journalists were “part of the disturbances.”
Moreover, officers said they did not know they were press. “Only after they were detained did they identify themselves,” police said.
Unions Condemn the Attack
The Union of Journalists in Israel ripped the police statement. They called the account “factually incorrect.”
Therefore, the union demanded an internal investigation. They also called for the immediate suspension of the officers involved.
“Police officers attacked several journalists without provocation,” the group said. “The officers damaged professional equipment,” they added. Furthermore, they confiscated memory cards documenting illicit actions.
“They inflicted a bone fracture on a CNN producer,” the union stated.
Nir Gontarz, a union member, said police intentionally targeted journalists. “The police marked the journalists as targets,” Gontarz said. “In this incident, it was not a mistake,” he added. “It was an intentional attack on journalists,” he concluded.
Foreign Press Association Demands Action
Similarly, the Foreign Press Association condemned the assault. They called the attack “unprovoked” in their statement. The FPA urged police to take immediate action against the officers. “Safeguard press freedoms, rather than trample upon them,” the group said. “None of this is acceptable,” the FPA added.
CNN Demands Accountability
Following the attack, CNN issued a strong statement. “We demand an explanation and accountability,” CNN said. “We abide by wartime regulations,” the network added.
“Those regulations do not permit assaulting journalists,” CNN stated. CNN has sought comment from police about the incident. However, the network has not received a response.
