Foreign Press Association demands compensation for journalist pushed into water

The Foreign Press Association in the Netherlands (BPV-FPA) is demanding compensation and a formal investigation after Spanish photojournalist Nacho Calonge was pushed into the water by a police officer. The incident occurred during riots at the Malieveld in The Hague.

Calonge, a freelance correspondent, was reportedly wearing a police press card and had identified himself as a journalist at the time. The BPV-FPA stated that Calonge is suffering from leg injuries and mental distress following the event. Additionally, his professional equipment was damaged, preventing him from working.

Imane Rachidi, chair of the BPV-FPA, noted that while police were operating under difficult conditions during a violent demonstration, this does not justify the use of force against a recognizable journalist. The association has also raised concerns that no police officer assisted Calonge out of the water, noting that other journalists had to perform the rescue.