Violence and Homophobic Abuse at Düsseldorf Concert: DW Journalist Attacked

October 15, 2024 – Syria –

Deutsche Welle Arabic reporter Adonis Alkhaled was physically assaulted and subjected to homophobic abuse by security guards while covering a concert in Düsseldorf, Germany. The incident occurred in a back alley after Alkhaled had conducted a post-performance interview. Without provocation, a group of guards verbally attacked him and his colleague, including using a homophobic slur, before physically assaulting Alkhaled. Video evidence shows one guard repeatedly punching him in the head. Both journalists were forced to flee and later filed a police report.

The concert featured Iraqi artist Al-Shami, whose team allegedly employed the security personnel responsible for the attack. Deutsche Welle condemned the assault in the strongest terms. Director-General Peter Limbourg described it as a “disgusting act of violence” and a direct attack on press freedom. DW demanded that those responsible face legal consequences and called on the artist’s team to explain the actions of their security staff.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) echoed this condemnation, urging German authorities to investigate quickly and transparently. CPJ noted that the attack was not only a violent assault on a journalist but also laced with hate speech, targeting Alkhaled’s perceived sexual identity. Press freedom advocates emphasized that such behavior cannot be tolerated in a democratic society.

The incident highlights a disturbing trend in Germany, where journalists increasingly face harassment, threats, and violence while doing their jobs. According to Reporters Without Borders, Germany has seen a rise in attacks on journalists in recent years, particularly those covering protests, marginalized communities, or cultural events. The targeting of Alkhaled, a journalist of Middle Eastern origin, also raises concerns about intersectional abuse involving both ethnicity and sexual orientation.

German police have opened an investigation, and DW is pressing for accountability not only from the individuals involved but also from the concert organizers and Al-Shami’s management. Until there is a clear commitment to protecting journalists at public events, media workers like Alkhaled remain vulnerable.

The assault on Alkhaled is a grim reminder that even in democratic countries, journalism carries risk, and press freedom must be actively defended.

Reference – 

DW condemns attack on reporter at Dusseldorf concert

German security guards abuse, beat DW Arabic reporter at concert

https://www.dw.com/en/dw-condemns-attack-on-reporter-at-dusseldorf-concert/a-70481565