United States: Police Arrest and Detain Roni Jacobson at Pro-Palestinian Protest in New York
Freelancer was held for almost 24 hours before charges were dropped
Location: United States, New York
Date: December 31, 2023
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern over the arrest of journalist Roni Jacobson. We remain troubled by the recurring instances of aggressive and unjust actions taken by U.S. law enforcement against journalists covering pro-Palestinian demonstrations. A similar incident occurred in November 2023 in Arizona, where reporter Alisa Reznick was arrested, only to have charges against her later dismissed. The press has the unequivocal right to cover protests without hindrance. While we appreciate the dropped charges against Jacobson, we urge the New York Police Department (NYPD) to provide a clear account of the circumstances surrounding her arrest.
Seasoned freelance journalist Roni Jacobson was reporting on a pro-Palestinian protest near Times Square in New York on December 31, 2023, when she was arrested by NYPD. She was held overnight at the Midtown South Precinct and faced charges of obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct. Jacobson, on assignment for the New York Daily News, was released the following afternoon.
Jacobson’s arrest occurred as she attempted to enter a cordoned-off area during the protest. While other pedestrians were allowed to pass, the journalist was asked for identification. The circumstances leading to Jacobson's arrest remain contentious. She claims to have identified herself as a reporter to NYPD officers, explaining that her pending city-issued press credentials were in process. Despite complying with orders, she was arrested. The police assert she attempted to physically push past officers – an accusation she vehemently denies. The episode raises significant questions about the grounds for her detention.
After spending almost 24 hours in custody, Jacobson's charges were dropped by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office on January 1, 2024. The office declined to prosecute, leading to her release. The case has been sealed, and the District Attorney's spokesperson refrained from commenting, citing the sealing, and noting that dismissal is a common reason for such action.
The New York Daily News commended the decision to drop charges but expressed concerns over her arrest. Daily News Executive Editor Andrew Julien emphasized the importance of press freedom in covering protests and stated an intention to follow up with NYPD to understand the justification for police’s action.
In a similar incident a month previously, Alisa Reznick, a senior field correspondent for KJZZ radio, was arrested for criminal trespass while covering a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Tucson, Arizona. She was arrested despite displaying press credentials and identifying herself as a journalist. Charges against the reporter were later dismissed.
The Israel-Palestine conflict has heightened tensions in the United States, leading to anti-war protests and an environment of censorship that particularly targets voices advocating for the Palestinian cause. LA Times journalists, including Suhauna Hussain, were banned from covering the Israel-Palestine conflict for three months after signing a letter criticizing Israel's actions in the war. Similarly, at The New York Times Magazine, journalist Jazmine Hughes resigned and a student journalist who spoke at a pro-ceasefire rally was fired from her position at the University of California, Los Angeles' Daily Bruin. Jewish journalists have also suffered harassment for their perceived support of Israel. Activist and journalist Emily Austin hired a bodyguard due to death and rape threats she received and well-known journalist Bari Weiss found anti-Semitic graffiti scrawled outside her New York office.
CFWIJ is actively monitoring violations against women journalists in both Israel and Palestine, as well as globally.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Roni Jacobson's arrest. It raises serious concerns about the freedom of the press, particularly during coverage of public demonstrations. The conflicting narratives between Jacobson and the police underscore the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions against journalists. The sealing of the case further adds to the opacity surrounding the incident, leaving crucial questions unanswered. We call on the New York Police Department and the Manhattan District Attorney to clarify what happened and why the reporter was apprehended.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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