United States: Alissa Azar Convicted for Riot and Disorderly Conduct
Journalist charged concerning clash between Antifa and Proud Boys in Portland in 2021
Location: United States, Oregon City
Date: August 15, 2024
Independent journalist Alissa Azar was found guilty of riot and second-degree disorderly conduct in connection with a 2021 riot in an Oregon City park. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a third charge related to her alleged use of mace. The guilty verdict in Alissa Azar's case highlights the challenges and responsibilities faced by journalists in contentious situations. It emphasizes the need for a careful balance between press freedom and legal accountability, ensuring that journalists can safely perform their duties without actively participating in violence. As a press freedom organization, Women Press Freedom advocates for the protection of journalists' rights while unequivocally condemning any actions that contribute to public disorder and violence.
On August 15, 2024, a Clackamas County jury in Oregon City convicted freelance journalist Alissa Azar of riot and second-degree disorderly conduct following a violent clash between Antifa and Proud Boys at Clackamette Park in June 2021.
Azar, seen in video footage using bear mace on a Proud Boy member, faces sentencing on September 9. A separate charge for unlawful use of tear gas/mace resulted in a hung jury. The June 18, 2021, riot involved over a hundred people, with a family caught in the violence needing marine patrol rescue.
Speaking to Women Press Freedom before the verdict, Azar’s lawyer Lauren Regan said the journalist acted in self-defense when she was being attacked by Proud Boy members. A male Proud Boy member – Gordon Cronk - who allegedly attacked Azar is facing charges related to this assault in separate proceedings,
The Clackamas County jury’s decision centered on the assertion that Azar crossed the line from observer to participant during the brawl, engaging in actions that contributed to the violence and public disturbance. Prosecutors highlighted that Azar was not merely documenting the event but actively participating, which included using mace and allegedly rallying others during the conflict. The court’s ruling reflects the legal perspective that her actions went beyond those expected of a neutral journalist, leading to her conviction on the riot and disorderly conduct charges.
The jury was deadlocked on the charge of unlawful use of mace, acknowledging that Azar’s first use of the spray was in self-defense. This nuanced outcome illustrates the situation's complexity, where the line between self-defense and unlawful aggression was contested.
Proud Boys members Gordon Cronk, Tommy Campbell, and Barry Johnson also face charges for their conduct during the unrest on June 18, 2021.
The conviction of Alissa Azar for riot and disorderly conduct underscores the complexities faced by journalists covering volatile events. The case exemplifies the fine line between documenting events and becoming an active participant in them. Women Press Freedom remains committed to advocating for journalists' rights, emphasizing the importance of press freedom while strongly condemning any actions that incite violence.
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