WAVE 3 News reporter and photographer Kaitlin Rust were struck by pepper balls reportedly fired by an LMPD officer during a protest in Louisville. CFWIJ condemns the use of disproportionate force against the press by the police. We are concerned about the targeting of women reporters covering a critical national story in the democratic country.

Murder of Minneapolis resident George Floyd on May 25th 2020 by the police forces sparked fury and erupted demonstrations across the United States. Across fifty states in America, protestors are demanding justice and an end to racial inequality and police brutality. As streets heat up countrywide many journalists covering the story on the ground are being targeted, with multiple cases of brutal attacks by police forces causing injuries.

Chinyere Okoye, a woman reporter with the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Aba, was kidnapped Wednesday night by unknown gunmen after work. The CFWIJ learnt from sources that she was picked up in front of her home’s gate as she tried to enter her compound. Reports say that kidnappers drove her away in her own car. These reports have been of high concern for us.