Berlin, September 21, 2026—Romanian authorities must swiftly investigate
attacks
on journalists covering last week’s farmers’ protest in Bucharest, and make sure those responsible are held accountable while also respecting journalists’ right to protect their sources, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday.
After
the protests
on September 15, police publicly
requested
footage from media, civil society groups and nearby businesses to identify suspected offenders. Separately, police emailed online news outlet HotNews
requesting
protest footage as part of their investigation into the clashes but the outlet declined to comply, citing journalists’ rights to protect their sources.
“The attacks on journalists covering the farmers’ protests in Bucharest are particularly troubling given the rise in threats, harassment, legal pressure, and intimidation faced by Romanian journalists over the past years,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Authorities must send a clear message that violence and intimidation against the press will not be tolerated. Police should swiftly investigate these attacks, hold those responsible to account, and ensure that journalists can report safely from public demonstrations. They must do so without compromising journalists’ right to protect their sources.”
Farmers were protesting
to demand
the scrapping of an EU ban on live sheep exports
imposed
following outbreaks of a highly contagious livestock disease. Far-right groups joined the demonstration and clashes broke out with riot police, injuring around two dozen people.
Protesters, some of them masked,
attacked
at least eight
journalists
and media workers: at least three needed medical attention.
Assailants shoved and punched Cristiana Chițu, a reporter for television channel
Realitatea
Plus, and
struck
camera operator Ruben Lighezan in the head and neck, leaving both needing treatment.
A reporter and camera operator from television channel D
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