A report by the organization Reporter ohne Grenzen (RSF) has revealed that the number of violent attacks on journalists in Germany more than doubled in the past year, with a total of 89 documented incidents.

The majority of these attacks occurred during public demonstrations, notably those related to the ongoing Middle East conflict, as well as events linked to far-right groups and anti-abortion activists.

In 2023, Germany recorded 41 similar attacks on journalists, making 2024's total the highest since 2022, when 103 incidents were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the 89 violent encounters documented by RSF, 75 were direct physical attacks on individuals, while 14 targeted newsrooms or residential buildings.

The incidents included physical assaults such as kicks and punches, often involving objects like flagpoles or drumsticks.

Notably, assaults on journalists were classified as such when they resulted in actual contact with either the individual or their equipment.

Among these incidents, a particular focus was on the marked escalation of violence at demonstrations related to the Middle East.

RSF noted that 38 cases of physical violence occurred specifically at such protests in Berlin, with an additional 21 assaults attributed to environments associated with conspiracy theories and right-wing extremism.

The report also suggested that the actual number of such attacks may be higher, as local journalists, who are frequently targeted, may not always report these incidents.

The tone of public sentiment towards journalists in Germany appears to be shifting, with the report indicating a growing hostility and a narrowed understanding of press freedom.

Many individuals, particularly those aligned with specific political ideologies, now view journalists outside their sphere as adversaries.

This trend was particularly notable in the context of coverage surrounding the Gaza war, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. RSF reported a constricted space for opinions on Israel and Palestine from various newsrooms following this event.

The German Journalists’ Association (DJV) has expressed concern about this trend.

DJV federal chair Mika Beuster stated that the current levels of violence represent a new quality of threat against journalists.

He emphasized that it is becoming increasingly dangerous for professionals in this field to carry out their vital work, necessitating a clear acknowledgment of these attacks as assaults on democratic values.

Additionally, the journalists' union dju, part of Verdi, has called for effective measures to protect media professionals to be included in the upcoming federal coalition agreement.

dju federal manager Danica Bensmail remarked that journalists must be able to work without fear of violence and urged media organizations, security authorities, and political leaders to establish reliable protective measures without delay.

The rising number of documented aggressive incidents aligns with feedback from dju members, highlighting a growing atmosphere of hostility towards the press, which is being monitored with significant concern.