“I am seriously concerned about a number of incidents and attacks by police and demonstrators against journalists covering the protests in the United States over the past few days. Many of these incidents include police detentions and use of force, including rubber bullets, tear shells, tear gas and pepper spray, as well as acts of violence by protesters, ”Desir said in a statement.
He called on the US authorities to exercise restraint and ensure that journalists can work safely while covering public protests.
Earlier, some journalists reported police attacks in Minneapolis. Among those attacked by the police were CBS, NBC, VICE, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Los Angeles Times. RIA Novosti correspondent suffered: tear gas was sprayed in his face.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called the unacceptable use by the police of special means against journalists. They called on relevant international structures and human rights NGOs to "properly respond to this arbitrariness." The Russian Embassy sent a note to the US State Department due to an incident with a RIA Novosti correspondent in Minneapolis.