InfoSearched
Published -
- July 28, 2019
- 12:32 pm
Reporter and crew hit by tear gas.
While covering the ongoing mass protests in Hong Kong, originally sparked by a controversial and now-shelved bill that would have allowed extradition from Hong Kong to China, CNN’s Anna Coren and her crew were hit by tear gas.
How has the ongoing unrest in Hong Kong impacted press freedoms and the ability of journalists to report on the situation?
On Monday, November 18th, 2019, a CNN reporter and her crew were hit by tear gas while covering the ongoing Hong Kong protests. This incident highlights the growing tension between the pro-democracy demonstrators and the police force, as well as the risks journalists face while reporting in conflict zones.
The CNN team was reporting live from the Polytechnic University, one of many campuses occupied by protesters, when police forces stormed the campus. As the protests escalated, journalists were caught in the crossfire, including CNN’s Hong Kong-based correspondent, Anna Coren, and her crew. In a video footage of the incident, tear gas canisters can be seen exploding near them, as well as a water cannon aimed at them, despite them clearly identifying themselves as members of the press.
This is not the first time journalists have been targeted during Hong Kong’s unrest, which began in June of 2019. According to the Hong Kong Journalists Association, more than 50 journalists have been injured during the protests, with some suffering from physical attacks or being hit by rubber bullets. This has led to concerns about press freedoms, especially since Hong Kong has long been seen as a beacon of journalistic freedom in Asia.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from various media outlets, including CNN itself, which called for the police to respect the rights of journalists and ensure they are able to do their jobs safely. In a statement, CNN said, “We urge the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists covering the unrest and to respect the right of the public to be informed.”
The incident also highlights the risks that reporters and media personnel face while covering conflicts, particularly in areas where press freedom is limited. While there are risks inherent with any reporting in the field, journalists should always be able to perform their duty without fearing for their safety. Without independent reporting, the truth about what is happening in Hong Kong could go unreported or misrepresented, which could have serious implications for both the country and the wider world.
In conclusion, the attack on the CNN reporter and crew in Hong Kong is a reminder that the risks of reporting on conflicts around the world are real and can have serious consequences. We must continue to support and protect investigative journalists in all circumstances, so that they can continue to provide us with accurate and unbiased reporting, even in the most difficult of situations. As the world watches events in Hong Kong unfold, it is important that we remain committed to maintaining the freedom of the press and protecting the rights of journalists everywhere.
