At least eight journalists and media workers were attacked while covering violent farmers’ protests in Bucharest on September 15, with several requiring medical treatment. The clashes broke out after far-right groups joined demonstrations demanding the removal of an EU ban on live sheep exports introduced following outbreaks of a highly contagious livestock disease.
As protesters clashed with riot police, around two dozen people were injured. Among those targeted were journalists reporting from the scene, some of whom were physically assaulted or had their equipment damaged.
Cristiana Chițu, a reporter for television channel Realitatea Plus, was shoved and punched, while camera operator Ruben Lighezan was struck in the head and neck. Both required medical attention.
A reporter and camera operator from Digi24 were also attacked. The camera operator was punched in the face and hospitalized. The station’s live coverage was disrupted as protesters threw stones and other objects toward police and journalists.
Gabriel Kolbay, a reporter for news website București.ro, was repeatedly hit during the unrest and had his camera destroyed.
Ioana Moldoveanu, a journalist with investigative outlet Snoop, was confronted by a masked protester who struck her camera and threatened to take and destroy her phone and equipment. The man also insulted her profession after she identified herself as a journalist.
Reporter Anna Constantin, from investigative outlet Recorder, was insulted and physically handled by a protester, while another demonstrator attempted to spit at her colleague, David Muntean.
The attacks have raised renewed concerns about the safety of journalists covering public demonstrations in Romania. Local press freedom organizations said the incidents reflect broader efforts to discredit the media, pointing to hostile rhetoric from politicians and public figures that portrays journalists as enemies and can contribute to an environment where violence against the press becomes normalized.
Police Investigate Attacks
Following the September 15 violence, police publicly appealed to media organizations, civil society groups, and nearby businesses to provide video footage that could help identify those responsible for the attacks.
Police also contacted the online news outlet HotNews seeking footage recorded during the protests. The outlet declined to provide the material, citing journalists’ right to protect their sources.
Local press freedom organizations stressed that criminal investigations into violence must respect journalists’ legal and professional protections, including their right to safeguard confidential sources and documents.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also contacted the press departments of Bucharest police and Romania’s Interior Ministry, which oversees the police, seeking comment on the attacks. Neither had responded at the time of publication.
Free Press Alliance: Journalists Must Be Able to Report Safely
At Free Press Alliance, we condemn the attacks against journalists covering the farmers’ protests in Bucharest. Physical violence, threats, harassment, and the destruction of journalistic equipment have no place in a democratic society.
Journalists must be able to document protests and report on events of public interest without becoming targets because of their profession. Authorities have a responsibility to investigate attacks against media workers, ensure accountability, and protect journalists’ ability to work independently.
We also stress the importance of protecting journalists’ right to safeguard confidential sources and documents. Investigations into violence must not undermine the protections that allow journalists to report independently and hold those in power accountable.
The safety of journalists is essential to a free press. When journalists are attacked for doing their jobs, the public’s right to access independent information is also put at risk.