A Year Later, Still Seeking Justice: The Assault on DW Reporter Adonis Alkhaled

October 12, 2025 – Germany –

A year has passed since Adonis Alkhaled, a journalist working for Deutsche Welle (DW), was violently assaulted, yet the wounds—both physical and institutional—remain largely unsettled. German authorities continue to investigate the episode, which occurred in the context of a concert by Syrian singer Al Shami.

According to available reports, Alkhaled and a colleague were covering the concert when tensions flared. Despite having clear “PRESS” identification, he was attacked near the venue by security personnel. The assault reportedly followed insults and intimidation during their interview with Al Shami.  The incident prompted outrage from DW’s leadership, who condemned the assault as an attack on press freedom and called for full accountability.

Investigations remain ongoing. German police are reviewing witness statements, video evidence, and the role of the event’s security staff. Yet to many media observers and press freedom advocates, the pace of inquiry highlights how vulnerable journalists can be—even in well-regulated democracies.

For Alkhaled, the ordeal underscores the risks that accompany frontline journalism. It also serves as a reminder that even experienced international media workers are not immune from physical danger when documenting contentious or politically charged events. His pursuit of justice has become a symbolic test case for defending the rights of journalists to work without fear of retribution.

His colleagues at DW, press freedom defenders, and fellow journalists continue to press for clarity and accountability. They emphasize that protecting full transparency in the investigation is essential—not just to resolve this individual case, but to reaffirm the principle that those who report truthfully should be defended, not punished.

Reference –

https://www.dw.com/en/dw-reporter-still-seeking-justice-one-year-after-assault/a-74296958

https://luminews.my/news/3643900