Freedom of the press: Reporters without limits: twice as many attacks on the press

The number of violent attacks on journalists has more than doubled in Germany last year, according to an evaluation. The organization reporter without borders (RSF) has documented and occupied 89 assault on media professionals-most on the sidelines of rallies, especially the Middle East conflict, but also at events in the right scene and opponents.

In the previous year 2023 there were 41 attacks nationwide. Only in the Corona year 2022 was a higher value measured with 103 attacks than in 2024.

Kicked or attacked with pepper spray

75 of the documented incidents were attacks against people. 14 attacks were directed against the editorial building or houses. The most common were physical attacks in the form of kicks and beats, also with objects such as flag rods or drum slans. These were counted as an attack if they actually met bodies or equipment.

Media workers were partly brutally beaten, they were pushed to the ground, stepped into the genitals, with coffee cups or raw eggs or attacked with pepper spray, according to human rights organization in their report on the situation of press freedom in Germany.

“38 cases of physical violence occurred solely on Middle East demonstrations in Berlin,” said RSF. “21 more attacks came from the conspiracy theoretical and right -wing extremist environment.”

Especially with a view to attacks from the right -wing extremist camp, RSF also speaks of a high number of unreported cases, “since local reporters in particular who are repeatedly attacked do not report this every time”.

“A strongly narrowed opinion corridor”

According to the report, reporters in Germany are generally experiencing “an increasing press and an understanding of freedom of the press”. Many people would now see people from the media industry who do not come from their own political spectrum as an opponent, according to the analysis.

As an example, RSF cited the reporting on the Gaza War, which had broken out on Israel in 2023 after an attack by Hamas. “Especially after October 7, 2023, RSF was reported from several editorial offices by a strongly narrowed opinion corridor at work on Israel and Palestine.”

Unions horrified by increasing violence

The German Journalist Association reacted concerns. “What we are currently experiencing is a new quality of violence against colleagues,” said DJV federal chairman Mika Beuster. “Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly dangerous for journalists to practice this important profession. We therefore have to clearly name these attacks and have to oppose them.” Attacks against journalists are always an attack on democracy.

The journalist union DJU within Verdi called for effective measures to protect media professionals in the new coalition agreement at the federal level. “Journalists must be able to work without fear of violence,” said DJU federal manager Danica Bensmail. “Media, security authorities and politics are obliged to immediately guarantee reliable protective measures.”

The increasing number of documented violent attacks covers the feedback from the DJU basis, says Bensmail. “Our colleagues report an increasingly press -free mood. We are watching this development with great concern,” said the trade unionist.