‘Infringement of press freedom’: Press body slams journos’ arrest at pro-Palestine protest in Chicago

Two days after three photojournalists were detained at Chicago in the USA while documenting a protest against the Democratic National Convention outside the Israeli Consulate, US-based press body Women Press Freedom has called it a “blatant infringement of press freedom”. 

The three credentialed independent photojournalists – Josh Pacheco, Sinna Nasseri, and Olga Federova – were reportedly arrested and charged with “disorderly conduct” by the Chicago police amid protests on Tuesday and released by Wednesday morning. The arrests came after the police ordered the protesters to disperse. The protesters were reportedly carrying signs that read “Democrats drop bombs and faux promises” and a large banner with “Shut Down the DNC for Gaza”. 

The Chicago police refused to acknowledge the protest and reportedly said that the “participants had the intent on fighting with the police, destroying things, burning flags”, the Intercept reported. 

The Women Press Freedom said that the three journalists “were released after spending a night in jail. Women Press Freedom denounces these arrests as a blatant infringement of press freedom. We call on the Chicago Police to issue a public apology and dismiss the charges”.

There have been widespread protests in the USA against the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Newslaundry has extensively reported on the fallout of the continued violence. Read here. 

It will soon be a year since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Contribute to our new NL Sena project to help us bring an exclusive mini-series that examines the multiple dimensions of the Israel-Gaza war from ground zero. 

Small teams can do great things. All it takes is a subscription. Subscribe now and power Newslaundry’s work.