Young German journalists were released

The German Association of Free Radio (BFR) celebrates the release of two young journalists after nine days of incarceration in a Danish prison. 

Today at 2 pm the young women, both 23 years old, have been released. Both are doing quite well considering the circumstances. They were reporting for the German Association of Free Radio (BFR) in Copenhagen.

The German Association of Free Radio (BFR) requests an inquiry into the restrictions on the freedom of press and communication during the time of the conference.

 Copenhagen, 22.12.2009 (yesterday)

Two young journalists from Rostock, Germany have been released from a Danish prison after nine days of detention during the COP15 climate summit.

The German Association of Free Radio (BFR) requests an inquiry into the restrictions on the freedom of press and communication during the time of the conference.

On Sunday, 13th of December, two journalists from Rostock, Germany were arrested by the Danish police as they were working. The young women were reporting for the German Association of Free Radio (BFR) from a demonstration in the harbour area of Copenhagen. The arrest took place as the Danish police tried to prevent a large number of journalists from reporting by shoving them. One of the arrested was also hit in her face by a police officer whilst filming. Video can be watched here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eI28-N0prc

The police accuse the two young journalists of a punch against an officer by one person and an escape attempt by the other. "With their accusations Danish authorities give a false color against my colleagues" says Mr. Falk Schlegel for the BFR who was present at the time. "We are glad about the release after such a long time and that both have the opportunity to be with their relatives during christmas. But its not a good sign when the accusations against them remain behind. Both accusations are not true."

Director of the Global Media Research Center at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (USA), Prof. Dr. John D. H. Downing, says the videoclip shows "a serious attack on the free press, and the Danish police behaviour in a very bad light."

You can hear our colleague (2:06 min) saying: "Au! Eh! I have been pushed. Calm down! I footage here." Important to notice: The arrest did not happen right after this scene. It took appr. additional 2 minutes. At the time of the arrest it was an almost calm situation.

The association strongly condemns the massive restrictions on the freedom of press and communication during the COP15 climate summit and demands an official inquiry into those who are responsible and both by the Danish media and the general public. In particular the free and independent press were restricted. The BFR demanded the immediate release of the two colleagues on the 15th of December. Today at 2 pm the young women, both 23 years old, have been released. Both are doing quite well considering the circumstances. A hearing date is already scheduled for the 19th of January 2010 which will be followed carefully by the BFR.

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