Not only are they threatened – there are also repeated attacks against journalists in Germany. A study by the European Center for Press and Media Freedom shows that the numbers are increasing.
The number of cases of physical attacks increased from 56 cases in 2022 to 69 cases last year, the European Center for Press and Media Freedom (EPCMF) said in its annual report Long-term analysis. Berlin had the most cases with 25. The year before, Saxony topped the list of states.
Demonstrations are the most dangerous workplace for journalists. 77 percent of the known cases occurred there – 40 percent of them at pro-Palestinian gatherings.
Local journalists particularly at risk
The number of attacks on journalists has been significantly higher in recent years. The number rose from 14 physical attacks in 2019 to 69 in 2020. Over the past few years, there have been at least up to 56 attacks on journalists per year.
Local journalists in particular are affected by physical attacks. Last year, the ECPMF pointed out in its evaluation that local journalists were sometimes more affected by attacks due to their lack of anonymity. Although the number of physical attacks has fallen this year, the danger remains, according to ECPMF.
These results are also consistent with the recently published research by Reporters Without Borders. Accordingly, the increased number of attacks on journalists during the pandemic has not yet completely decreased. “Reporters Without Borders” therefore sees no reason to give the all-clear.