The Cyprus Journalists Union has condemned police violence against a reporter during a protest in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla outside the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia on Thursday.
- The Cyprus Journalists Union has condemned police violence against a reporter during a protest in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla outside the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia on Thursday.
Beisan Ibraheem, a Palestinian-origin journalist working for Dialogos media group, was subjected to police violence whilst performing her professional duties during the demonstration concerning the seizure of Gaza solidarity flotilla crews by Israel, the union stated.
The union’s statement detailed how Ibraheem identified herself as a journalist on multiple occasions, yet police officers continued to use excessive force against her, pushing her and throwing her to the ground twice while also spraying pepper spray in her face.
The Cyprus Journalists Union has called on Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis to launch a thorough investigation into the incident, stating, “The errant police officers must be punished exemplarily.” The union emphasised that journalists operating in a law-abiding democratic state must be able to perform their work without hindrance.
In response to the violence, left-wing opposition party AKEL has announced a new demonstration outside the Foreign Ministry, scheduled for today at 6 p.m. The party aims to protest against police brutality and show solidarity with Ibraheem and other journalists facing similar challenges.
