NUJ raises concerns with Met over intimidation of BBC reporter Nick Watt
The union was reacting to an incident when the Newsnight’s political editor was abused by anti-lockdown protesters in Westminster.
Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said:
“The hounding and abuse levelled at Newsnight’s Nick Watt outside Downing Street yesterday by anti-lockdown protesters was frightening and outrageous.
“It is genuinely shocking that a man escaping a mob screaming at him, shouting traitor and calling him scum, didn’t result in the police immediately intervening. Action should be taken against these thugs. No one should have to tolerate such abusive behaviour and harassment simply for doing their job.”
The union is a member of the UK government's National Committee for the Safety of Journalists and will be flagging up the incident with ministers and officials as yet another example of harassment of journalists in the course of their work.
Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary, said:
“I note that one individual has been arrested and this is now a matter for the administration for justice. The failure of the police to intervene as a journalist was subjected to threats and intimidation remains a concern.”
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