The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has advised local and international journalists covering events in Brazil during the World Cup to remain vigilant and ensure they stay safe.
The IFJ reports that three journalists were injured while covering protests in Sao Paulo yesterday, Thursday 12 June. CNN producer, Barbara Arvanitidis, sought treatment at a hospital for an arm injury, while CNN correspondent, Shasta Darlington, and Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão cameraman, Douglas Barbieri Rodrigo Add, a photographer for Associated Press, suffered minor wounds from canisters of stun grenades thrown by authorities to disperse protesters. -Sérgio Moraes, a photographer for Reuters, was also injured while covering protests in the city of Belo Horizonte.
The Copacabana beach studio of the UK’s ITV television station was also pelted with rocks by protestors during the opening match between Brazil and Croatia yesterday evening, resulting in damage to large glass panels. Other studios in the area are also reported to have been attacked.
IFJ’s Brazilian affiliate, the National Federation of Journalists (FENAJ), is closely monitoring the situation for journalists during the World Cup and is offering support for journalists in need of help or advice.
Contact FENAJ at fenaj@fenaj.org.br; visit their website www.fenaj.org.br; or call +61 3244-0650 / 3244-0658.
“We call on authorities and citizens in Brazil to respect the rights and freedoms of media covering the World Cup or reporting on ongoing unrest,” said IFJ General Secretary Beth Costa. “We also advise journalists reporting on events to stay safe at all times and to avoid dangerous situations.”
For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 17
The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries
Gregg Morris, editor of the WORD and this site.
Tags: CNN, International Federation of Journalists, World Cup