AA photojournalist Fatih Aktash, who was covering a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York, USA, was subjected to severe beatings by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Communications Director Fahrettin Altun shared a reaction message on his social media account. Aktash was subjected to police violence while attempting to capture police violent intervention against demonstrators during a protest in Brooklyn.
A video recorded by a journalist showed Aktash trying to take photos of the protests being violently pushed away by a police officer, causing him to fall hard to the ground.
Regarding the incident, Aktash said: “I was trying to record my intervention in the demonstration when a police officer pushed me back violently, and to avoid damaging the camera I was holding, I fell backwards on the ground and punched myself. My elbow landed hard on the ground.”
Aktash said he was able to get up with the help of another officer and a colleague and continue his duties, but he said he did not notice his injury due to the heat of the incident, and that he suffered a bruised elbow and was in pain after the demonstration.
“At that moment, I could have hit my head on the ground and it would have resulted in much more serious consequences,” Aktash said. “I have also experienced violent police intervention against peaceful protesters,” he said.
On May 31, police intervened violently against pro-Palestinian demonstrators in front of a museum in Brooklyn, New York.
Protesters occupied part of the Brooklyn Museum to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza, particularly the recent airstrike on Rafah, and NYPD riot police detained dozens of Palestinian supporters, while a police officer was caught on camera throwing a female protester and then punching her to the ground.
A male protester was also seen with his hands handcuffed behind his back and his face covered in blood.
Fahrettin Altun’s response
Public Relations Director Fahrettin Altun responded on his social media accounts.
Announcement highlights:
“Today, while covering a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York, USA, AA photojournalist Fatih Aktash was subjected to a harsh intervention by the New York Police Department. I condemn the physical attack on Mr. Aktash and wish him and his Anadolu agency all the best,” the media source said. “Freedom is the foundation of democracy. We will continue to support all truth-loving journalists who fight against injustice and injustice.”
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