New York, October 16, 2024—German authorities must swiftly and transparently investigate security guards’ homophobic abuse and attack on a journalist with the public broadcaster DW’s Arabic service who was reporting at a concert in the western city of Düsseldorf, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday.
“German authorities must ensure the security guards working for the concert venue who insulted and beat Adonis Alkhaled are brought to justice,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of verbal abuse, intimidation, or violence.”
On October 12, security guards made homophobic comments and derogatory remarks about DW while Alkhaled and a colleague were interviewing the Syrian musician Al Shami. After the journalists stopped the interview due to security concerns, a security guard pushed Alkhaled into a backyard and beat him several times. He was taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
Alkhaled has filed a criminal complaint. Al Shami’s press spokesperson told DW that the attack took place after their team had parted ways with the journalists and offered full cooperation with the investigation.
The Düsseldorf police press department confirmed in an email to CPJ that an investigation was underway but declined to give further details as it was ongoing.