DW condemns attack on reporter at concert in Dusseldorf – DW – 10/13/2024

German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) on Sunday denounced what it called a “disgusting act of violence” after one of its reporters was allegedly attacked on the sidelines of a concert in the city of Dusseldorf, in western Germany, this weekend.

DW Arabic reporter Adonis Alkhaled said he was assaulted and beaten by security officers after interviewing Syrian musician Al Shami.

A spokesperson for Al Shami insisted that “the interview went smoothly” and stated that the violent incident occurred after the musician and his team left.

What happened to Adonis Alkhaled?

In a press release issued on Sunday, DW gave Alkhaled’s account of the events that took place at the Mitsubishi Electric Hall in Dusseldorf on Friday night and early Saturday.

During the video interview with the Syrian artist, the DW journalist said that he and a colleague were threatened and insulted by security guards.

Alkhaled also said he was called a “faggot” and that derogatory comments were repeatedly made about Deutsche Welle.

After the two DW journalists ended the interview due to security concerns, reporter Adonis Alkhaled was allegedly pushed from the interview area into a backyard by several members of the security team.

Alkhaled was hit multiple times by a lone attacker, according to the DW press release. The reporter was taken to the emergency room shortly afterwards.

He managed to leave the hospital on Saturday morning and filed a criminal complaint.

A police investigation into the attack is ongoing.

DW said video of the incident “must be protected and evaluated.”

Al Shami ‘condemns’ violence against journalists

Contacted by DW, the artist’s spokesperson said: “Al Shami and his management unequivocally condemn any form of violence or threats, especially against journalists.”

“The events you described occurred after the interview ended and after our team separated from your team,” they said.

“We sincerely apologize for any unfortunate incident that occurred and are fully committed to helping you investigate this matter further.”

The organizers of the “Luxus Event” concert have not yet responded to DW’s questions.

DW condemns ‘attack on press freedom’

In the statement released on Sunday, DW’s general director, Peter Limbourg, said he strongly condemned the attack.

“This crime is not only a disgusting act of violence, but also an attack on press freedom. Perpetrators and instigators must feel the full force of the rule of law.”

“The solidarity of all DW employees goes out to our injured colleague,” he added.

Alkhaled says organizer and artist must ensure safety

Reacting to his ordeal, Alkhaled said: “Journalists must be able to do their work without threats or violence in order to inform the public objectively and independently. Such attacks endanger this fundamental right and hamper the work of the press .”

Alkhaled added that both the organizer and the artist are responsible for the actions of their employees and security forces.

“They have a duty to ensure that everyone involved, including the press, is treated safely and respectfully. The incident indicates a management failure, as the security team repeatedly acted aggressively without taking appropriate measures to calm down.”

The reporter said it is important that attacks like the one he suffered do not go unpunished.

“Otherwise, this could set a dangerous precedent where other organizers or artists believe they may act similarly and aggressively against journalists,” Alkhaled said. “Legal action and public criticism can make it clear that this behavior will not be tolerated and that it will have clear consequences.”