Belgium: CFWIJ Is Concerned For Khatira Sardargizi As She Faces Horrific Assault
Location: Belgium
Date: July 25, 2020
Khatira Sadargizi, a journalist for the European bureau of “REAL TV” suffered a horrific assault in a protest outside Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels, on July 22. In the context of tension at the borders, a protest was held by a group of people of Armenian origin, living in Belgium. The demonstration held outside Azerbaijani Embassy turned violent between the two groups and several people suffered injuries. Reportedly, angry protestors used stones, sharp objects and explosive material in the scuffle that left six people severely bruised, including Khatira. She received a serious head injury and was hospitalized later.
The REAL TV Information Center shared that their employee was attacked and suffered a head injury after the demonstration turned violent. The channel asked the Belgian government to apprehend the assailants who injured people and hold them accountable. Khatira's head injury was caused by a heavy stone thrown at her. "Hereby, REAL TV condemns the act of brutal terror carried out by Armenians, targeting employee of her professional duties in the strongest term", said the statement.
The REAL TV has also urged the Belgium government to immediately investigate the activities of perpetrators involved in this criminal attack against a journalist.
On July 24, 2020, police in Belgium arrested at least seventeen individuals accused of involvement in hate related crimes and provocative acts. Six members of Azerbaijani community were reportedly injured, including Khatira Sardargizi.
Reporters without borders (RSF) also called on Belgian authorities to provide necessary security to Khatira. RSF shared in a tweet, "#Belgium: Amid tensions between Baku & Yerevan, Azeri journalist Khatira Sardargizi suffered head injury while covering a clash in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels. @RSF_Inter calls on the Belgian authorities to provide stronger protection to journalists at protests."
#Belgium: Amid tensions between Baku & Yerevan, Azeri journalist Khatira Sardargizi suffered head injury while covering a clash in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels. @RSF_Inter calls on the Belgian authorities to provide stronger protection to journalists at protests. pic.twitter.com/zI5CshhpHF
— RSF in English (@RSF_en) July 28, 2020
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the violent attack on Khatira Sadargizi. We are monitoring the situation as it unfolds. Also the CFWIJ demands that police hold the perpetrators accountable and serve justice. We hope the Belgium law enforcement authorities will take necessary security measures to make Khatira Sadargizi feel safe.
The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.