Berlin Police Officer Fined for Assaulting Journalist During Protest Eviction

February 02, 2025 – Germany – 

A Berlin police officer was fined €7,200 for assaulting a journalist during a police operation at Humboldt University in May 2024. The incident occurred amid the eviction of pro-Palestinian activists who had barricaded themselves inside the university’s Institute for Social Sciences.

The journalist, clearly marked with press credentials including a press badge and professional equipment, was covering the protest when the officer unlawfully detained and assaulted him. Despite the journalist’s visible identification, the officer struck him in the face and handcuffed him, holding him in custody for several hours. The assault caused facial and bodily injuries, highlighting concerns about police conduct towards the press during public order operations.

The Tiergarten District Court issued the fine through a non-public process, meaning the case was resolved without a formal trial. The officer has the right to appeal, which could result in a public hearing. If the fine is upheld, the officer will avoid a criminal record, a decision that has sparked debate about accountability for police actions against journalists.

This case raises important questions about the protection of press freedom in Germany, especially in situations of civil unrest and protest. Journalists play a critical role in documenting events, holding authorities accountable, and informing the public. Assaulting reporters or obstructing their work threatens democratic transparency and freedom of expression.

Press freedom advocates argue that police forces need clearer guidelines and training to respect the rights of journalists during operations. The attack on the journalist at Humboldt University underscores the risks reporters face even in democratic societies, where freedom of the press is legally guaranteed but sometimes compromised in practice.

The incident and resulting fine have sparked discussions on how law enforcement agencies balance maintaining order and respecting civil liberties. It also highlights the importance of swift and transparent accountability mechanisms to address abuses against members of the press.

As journalists continue to cover protests and other politically sensitive events, ensuring their safety and ability to report freely remains essential to upholding democratic values in Germany and beyond.

Reference – 

https://themunicheye.com/berlin-police-officer-fined-assaulting-journalist-9365