ZDF camera crew attacked in Berlin

The Public Media Alliance condemns physical attack on ZDF camera crew after filming demonstration in Berlin.

A ZDF camera crew were attacked after filming a demonstration for satirical news programme the heute-show (Today Show) on Friday 1 May. The team were on the way back to their vehicles when the incident took place.

Six of the seven members required hospital treatment and have since been discharged to recover from home. Six people have since been arrested.

Bei einem Dreh heute in Berlin ist unser Kamerateam angegriffen worden. Mehrere Teammitglieder sind im Krankenhaus, unser Reporter Abdelkarim ist unverletzt. Wir sind schwer betroffen und wünschen den Kollegen eine schnelle Genesung. (1/2)

— ZDF heute-show (@heuteshow) May 1, 2020

It remains unclear as to why the perpetrators targeted the crew although an investigation has been launched by state security, which could suggest political motivations according to ZDF.

ZDF Programme Director, Dr. Norbert Himmler, condemned the attack, saying: “Freedom of the press is a great asset – especially these days. However, our concern now is first and foremost for the team members and their health.”

The Deutscher Journalisten-Verband (German Association of Journalists) called the incident a direct attack on press freedom and called for a thorough investigation.

The Public Media Alliance stands in solidarity with ZDF and condemns any physical attacks on journalists and media workers. Press Freedom is absolutely essential for an informed and healthy democracy.

We wish the camera crew a swift recovery.

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ZDF are a member of the Public Media Alliance and part of the Global Task Force for public media

Header Image: ZDF Symbol At The Capital Studio In Berlin. Credit: cries/istock