The Cyprus Journalists Union has condemned police violence against a reporter during a protest in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla outside the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia on Thursday.
Beisan Ibraheem, a Palestinian-origin journalist working for Dialogos media group, was subjected to police violence whilst performing her professional duties during the demonstration concerning the seizure of Gaza solidarity flotilla crews by Israel, the union stated.
“Ibrahim identified herself as a journalist four times, yet police officers continued using force against her, pushing her and throwing her to the ground twice whilst also spraying pepper spray in her face,” the union said.
The Union condemned the incident and called on Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis to order an investigation into the entire event. “The errant police officers must be punished exemplarily,” the statement declared, adding that journalists in a law-abiding democratic state must be able to perform their work and mission unhindered and without obstacles.
Left-wing opposition party AKEL has called for a new demonstration outside the Foreign Ministry protesting police brutality today at 6 p.m.
Read more:
