The European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has released its latest analysis, revealing a rise in physical attacks against journalists in Germany.
From 56 reported incidents in 2022, the number has escalated to 69 in the past year, signaling a growing threat to press freedom within the nation.
Journalist Assaults
Berlin recorded the highest number of attacks in the past year, with 25 incidents, marking a shift from the previous year when the city of Saxony topped the chart.
The ECPMF report identifies public demonstrations as particularly dangerous for journalists, with 77% of all reported attacks occurring in these settings. Notably, pro-Palestinian rallies accounted for 40% of these assaults.
Local journalists face a disproportionately high risk of assault, primarily due to their visibility and accessibility in the communities they cover.
The ECPMF emphasizes that despite a slight decrease in overall physical attacks this year, the threat level remains high, with local reporters frequently targeted due to their lack of anonymity.
These results are also consistent with the recently published research by Reporters Without Borders. According to the organization, the increased number of attacks on journalists during the pandemic has not yet completely decreased.
