At least three journalists were arrested while covering protests during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Photojournalist Josh Pacheco, who has worked with reputable media outlets such as the New York Times and PBS, recalled the chaotic scene when a swarm of police officers ordered protesters and journalists to disperse in front of the Israeli Consulate. Pacheco and other journalists were walking away, trying to leave the area, when he was arrested and pulled off the sidewalk. Pacheco had identified himself as a journalist to the officers and was carrying his photography equipment with media credentials visible. Despite this, an officer snatched away his credentials.
Pacheco spent the next nine hours in police custody. Two other photojournalists, Sinna Nasseri and Olga Federova, were also arrested during the same march but were released by early Wednesday morning. Nasseri, whose work has been featured in esteemed publications like the New York Times and the New Yorker, shared on Instagram that he was arrested while documenting the protest from a public sidewalk. He posted a video of himself standing in handcuffs next to officers, with his camera still hanging around his neck.
The three journalists were charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, according to their attorney, Steven Baron. Baron stated that the city of Chicago violated the journalists’ First Amendment rights by charging them for simply doing their jobs as reporters. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling acknowledged the arrests in a press conference and criticized the actions of journalists at the demonstration. Snelling blamed journalists for being too close to protesters, obstructing officers’ ability to move about. He also refused to recognize the rally as a protest, claiming that participants had the intent to fight with the police and cause harm.
The Chicago Police Department did not respond to requests for comment. Police reported arresting around 50 people on Tuesday, but the National Lawyers Guild Chicago, a nonprofit legal support organization, reported at least 70 protester arrests. The lawyers guild stated that police provoked confrontations, rushed the crowd, indiscriminately arrested people on the sidewalk, and entrapped groups to carry out mass arrests.
Pacheco was released from police custody on Wednesday morning and returned to work, covering a larger pro-Palestine demonstration in Union Park later that day. The demonstration featured speakers like former presidential candidate Jill Stein. Pacheco posted footage on social media showing a significant law enforcement presence, with officers on bikes and wielding batons, surrounding the park. In another video, Pacheco captured Chicago police officers detaining two women participating in the march on a train platform.
The arrests of these journalists raise concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists covering protests. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to respect the First Amendment rights of journalists and allow them to do their jobs without fear of arrest or harassment. The incident also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in police actions during protests. The National Lawyers Guild’s claims of police provocation and indiscriminate arrests should be thoroughly investigated to ensure that proper procedures were followed and individuals’ rights were not violated.
