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Moroccan Union Demands Protection for Journalists After Stadium Violence

Moroccan Union Demands Protection for Journalists After Stadium Violence

From Hespress · (3d ago) Arabic Critical tone

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Moroccan sports union condemned violent acts by Algerian fans during a CAF Confederation Cup match.
  • Fans invaded the pitch and attacked journalists and technicians, damaging equipment.
  • The union called for increased protection for media personnel working at sports venues.

The National Syndicate of Professionals of the National Radio and Television Company (SNRT) has strongly condemned the chaotic and violent behavior of Algerian fans during the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final between Olympique Safi and USM Alger. The syndicate expressed its solidarity with the journalists, engineers, and technicians whose work was disrupted and equipment damaged when fans invaded the pitch and the press area. This incident, which led to the postponement of the match, highlights a concerning pattern of fan misconduct. The syndicate is calling for enhanced security measures for media crews operating in stadiums and is also advocating for hazard pay for mobile unit staff working in these environments. The events underscore the challenges faced by media professionals covering sports in the region and the need for greater accountability from clubs and football authorities to ensure their safety and the integrity of their work.

We strongly condemn the chaotic and violent behaviors issued by the fans of this Algerian club, by descending onto the pitch and storming the platform of journalists, technicians, and photographers; which led to 'complete disruption of their work and damage to some equipment and devices'.

— National Syndicate of Professionals of the National Radio and Television CompanyThe union's statement condemning the actions of Algerian fans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hespress in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.