Berlin Police Officer Fined for Assaulting Journalist During University Occupation

A Berlin police officer has been fined following an incident in which he allegedly assaulted a journalist during the evacuation of the Humboldt University. The incident occurred last year, and the Berliner General Prosecutor's Office announced on Friday that the officer, aged 32, has been ordered to pay a fine amounting to 7,200 euros, calculated as 90 daily rates of 80 euros each.

The penalty was issued by the Tiergarten District Court at the request of the public prosecutor's office. It is important to note that this order is not yet legally binding, as the officer has the right to contest the decision. Should he choose to appeal, the case would be presented in a public trial. If the fine remains unchanged, the officer would not be classified as a convicted criminal.

The incident took place on the evening of May 23, 2024, during the police operation aimed at clearing the Institute for Social Sciences at Humboldt University, where several individuals had barricaded themselves. The journalist, a videographer for a local publication, was present to document the event and was reportedly wearing a press badge around his neck while holding a camera and a mobile phone.

Despite these clear identifiers, the police officer allegedly forced the journalist to the ground and placed him in handcuffs. The reporter sustained injuries to his face and body during the altercation. According to reports, the police officer struck the journalist in the face and confined him with handcuffs for several hours.

The public prosecutor's office has stated that the officer should have recognized that the enforcement action should not have been directed at the journalist but rather at those responsible for the university occupation. It was deemed that the arrest of the reporter was conducted without a legitimate legal basis. Furthermore, it was noted that the officer was aware that the journalist could sustain injuries but proceeded with the actions regardless.

This case raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of journalists during police operations, especially in the context of public protests and university occupations, highlighting the need for clear guidelines to protect press freedom.