United States: CFWIJ Condemns The Physical Assault On Journalist Genevieve Reaume
Location: United States
Date: December 8, 2020
KATU correspondent Genevieve Reaume was threatened and physically assaulted while covering a protest in north Portland. Masked demonstrators first blocked Genevieve and her colleague from filming, later destroying her phone. A protester even stepped on Genevieve’s hand as she tried to pick her device. CFWIJ condemns the assault on Genevieve, and we demand law enforcement authorities prioritize journalists' safety in such volatile situations.
Genevieve Reaume was covering an activist-led demonstration in Oregon. When Genevieve entered the barricades with fellow reporter Rick Preavyhouse to interview a few people, they were blocked by demonstrators. The journalists were then surrounded and threatened by masked protesters. A protester snatched Genevieve’s phone and smashed it on the road while she tried to record the scene. Later, when she tried to retrieve her phone, another demonstrator stomped on her hand, causing injury.
The Portland police filed an assault report on Genevieve’s request. The journalist recounted the ordeal on Twitter, sharing, “'What hurts most is how little faith ppl have in journalism. I can honestly tell you I’m a fair, passionate journalist. In tears, while telling my fiancé what happened, I made sure before I hung up the phone to remind him of my passion for journalism. I believe in what I do." She also shared the video of what she managed to record on her camera moments before the assault.
What hurts most is how little faith ppl have in journalism. I can honestly tell you I’m a fair, passionate journalist.
— Genevieve Reaume (@GenevieveReaume) December 9, 2020
In tears, while telling my fiancé what happened, I made sure before I hung up the phone to remind him of my passion for journalism. I believe in what I do.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism demands Portland law enforcement authorities to apprehend the assailants involved. We offer support and solidarity to Genevieve Reaume and hope justice will be served. We urge Portland authorities to ensure press safety at protests and protect journalists from future threats and attacks.
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.