News
AAJA-MN and MNSPJ decry treatment of journalists at Brooklyn Center protests
The Minnesota chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association and the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists (MNSPJ) decry in the strongest possible terms the violent targeting and detention of journalists by law enforcement authorities during ongoing protests in Brooklyn Center.
On behalf of news organizations, attorney Leita Walker submitted a letter this evening to Gov. Tim Walz and public safety officials that details mistreatment of journalists over several nights. We support her call for law enforcement to “act reasonably and in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution and judicial orders.” And we encourage anyone concerned about journalism in Minnesota to read Walker’s letter.
A free press is vital to democracy, and ordering the press to leave the area, detaining reporters on their stomachs and photographing their faces, credentials and I.D.s is tantamount to intimidation. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the use of so-called “less-lethal” weapons on journalists, some of whom have already suffered serious injury requiring surgery. We call upon Walz, State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington and leaders of the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Patrol, Brooklyn Center Police and other authorities to read and respect both the letter and spirit of the federal order.
Let us do our jobs.
-- AAJA Minnesota and the Minnesota SPJ Board of Directors
April 17, 2021
On behalf of news organizations, attorney Leita Walker submitted a letter this evening to Gov. Tim Walz and public safety officials that details mistreatment of journalists over several nights. We support her call for law enforcement to “act reasonably and in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution and judicial orders.” And we encourage anyone concerned about journalism in Minnesota to read Walker’s letter.
A free press is vital to democracy, and ordering the press to leave the area, detaining reporters on their stomachs and photographing their faces, credentials and I.D.s is tantamount to intimidation. A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the use of so-called “less-lethal” weapons on journalists, some of whom have already suffered serious injury requiring surgery. We call upon Walz, State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington and leaders of the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Patrol, Brooklyn Center Police and other authorities to read and respect both the letter and spirit of the federal order.
Let us do our jobs.
-- AAJA Minnesota and the Minnesota SPJ Board of Directors
April 17, 2021
Statement on the attack of WCCO-TV photojournalist Dymanh Chhoun
On Sept. 30, 2020, WCCO-TV photojournalist Dymanh Chhoun was attacked while covering President Donald Trump's rally in Duluth, Minn. WCCO says Chhoun identified himself as a member of the press and was recording video while in a public space. Chhoun was not hurt in the incident.
AAJA and Minnesota SPJ stand in solidarity with our fellow journalists, and condemn threats and attacks that interfere with journalists' right to do their jobs without fearing for their safety. We urge police to fully investigate this incident.
Journalists face an increasingly hostile environment, and video of the incident serves as a reminder of the risks that journalists encounter every day while reporting on the front lines. The press is not the enemy -- it serves a fundamental role in a democracy by informing the public and holding powerful people and institutions accountable. Any threat to the press is a threat to a free society, free speech and the First Amendment.
-- AAJA Minnesota, AAJA National Board of Directors and Minnesota SPJ Board of Directors
Oct. 1, 2020
AAJA and Minnesota SPJ stand in solidarity with our fellow journalists, and condemn threats and attacks that interfere with journalists' right to do their jobs without fearing for their safety. We urge police to fully investigate this incident.
Journalists face an increasingly hostile environment, and video of the incident serves as a reminder of the risks that journalists encounter every day while reporting on the front lines. The press is not the enemy -- it serves a fundamental role in a democracy by informing the public and holding powerful people and institutions accountable. Any threat to the press is a threat to a free society, free speech and the First Amendment.
-- AAJA Minnesota, AAJA National Board of Directors and Minnesota SPJ Board of Directors
Oct. 1, 2020