Danish Police Probe Claims of Assault on Journalists

Copenhagen police are investigating allegations that officers assaulted two press photographers while they were covering anti-immigration protests in the Danish capital over the weekend.

A photographer working for the Ekstra Bladet tabloid alleged that police struck him with a truncheon while he was covering a demonstration calling for “remigration”, a term used by some anti-immigration groups to advocate the deportation of immigrants to their countries of origin.

Another photographer from the Politiken newspaper also accused officers of hitting him with a baton. His camera was reportedly destroyed in the incident, and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police confirmed that they were investigating the two incidents following criticism over the alleged treatment of journalists.

The force said it had asked Denmark’s Independent Police Oversight Authority (DUP) to examine the cases.

“The media have reported on two specific incidents in which members of the press were struck by the police,” the police said in a statement.

“In light of the criticism that was subsequently expressed, we have asked the Independent Police Oversight Authority (DUP) to investigate these cases.”

Politiken’s editor-in-chief on Sunday criticised the alleged conduct, arguing that while police face difficult conditions when demonstrations turn violent, journalists should not be treated as adversaries while carrying out their work.

The newspaper stressed that journalists must be able to document police use of force and report on events independently.

“This newspaper understands that the police’s task is often difficult when demonstrations spiral into violence and street clashes.

“But it is all the more incomprehensible that the police should make the press their adversary by preventing us from doing our job, which also consists in bearing witness to the police’s use of force.”

Copenhagen police said they remained committed to protecting the conditions necessary for democratic participation, including freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and the ability of journalists to perform their duties.