The International News
Safety Institute has reported that news crews covering the violent clashes
in Egypt are facing increased threats to their safety, amid reports that a
growing number are being targeted by protesters loyal to President Hosni
Mubarak, angry at the foreign media’s coverage of the situation in the country.
Al Jazeera has had its offices in the country closed, while Al Arabiya reported
that one of its correspondents, Ahmed Bagatu, was injured.
But, even though some government supporters are said to have been carrying
placards saying ‘Down with Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, other non-Arab news
organisations have been attacked.
The Associated Press said two of its correspondents had been "roughed up" by
the crowd.
A Belgian reporter on Wednesday was arrested, beaten and accused of being a
spy by men in plain clothes in the central Cairo neighborhood of Choubra.
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that four Israeli reporters had also been
arrested.
CNN reported that an Egyptian reporter for Al-Arabiya went missing. He was
beaten and handed over to Egyptian military. It said that journalists from the
BBC, ABC News and CNN were also attacked. Among them were CNN’s Hala Gorani and
Anderson Cooper, who said he was hit on the head by a protester.
Hala Gorani was quoted as saying, "I got slammed against the gates and was
threatened by one of the pro-Mubarak protesters who was … telling me to ‘get
out, get out!’ and saying it very close to my face. The pro-Mubaraks, whoever
they are, whoever sent them, are being threatening toward camera crews,
journalists, anybody who looks like they may be onlookers. Some of the elements
there are rather thuggish and they seem to be intent on causing trouble."
NBC News’ Richard Engel said, in a message on Twitter, that journalists in
Cairo had been "mobbed on the streets" by people angry with foreign press
coverage.
A spokesman for the US State Department PJ Crowley also took to Twitter to
say it was "concerned about detentions and attacks" on the media, saying that
"the civil society that Egypt wants to build includes a free press"
INSI advises all journalists covering civil disturbances to plan accordingly and
take appropriate precautions. The following information may help:
CIVIL DISTURBANCE CHECKLIST
Plan in advance
Establish pre-arranged contact points with the rest of your team
(photographer, camera operator, producer, etc.) if you are separating
Always carry press identification but conceal it if it attracts unwarranted
attention
Bring a cellular phone with emergency numbers pre-set for speed dialling
Position yourself upwind if there is a possibility that tear gas will be
used
Bring eye protection such as swimming goggles or industrial eye protection
Carry first aid kits and know how to use them
Wear loose natural fabric clothing as this will not burn as readily as
synthetic ones; remember there is always the possibility of gasoline bombs being
exploded
Carry a small backpack with enough food and water to last for a day in case
you are unable to get out of the area
If you are a reporter you dont have to be in the crowd as long as you can
see whats happening
If you are a photographer or camera operator, try to shoot from a higher
vantage point
The use of flats and buildings to report is common-place, but ensure exit is
possible and does not become obstructed.
Work with the team and keep a mental map of your escape route if things turn
bad
Have an immediate newsroom debriefing after the coverage to extract lessons
from the coverage
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
1. Baseball Bump cap (Head Protection in style of Baseball Cap)
2. Standard Eyeshields
3. Goggles (Protection against Tear Gas)
4. Footwear — boots with non-stick sole and ankle protection
5. Personal First Aid Kit
6. Knee Pads
7. Ear Plugs
Also consider:
1. Stab Resistant Vest
2. Flame Retardant Spray
3. Flame retardant Underwear
4. Steel Toe Cap Footwear
5. Hi-Visibility Vest
6. Hand Protection