(UTV | COLOMBO) – A CNN reporter has been released after being arrested while covering protests in Minneapolis over the death of an unarmed black man.
Omar Jimenez was led away in handcuffs while he was live on air early on Friday. His cameraman and producer were also detained, apparently because they did not move on when told.
They were released without charge.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz has apologised, describing the incident as “unacceptable”.
CNN said the arrests violated the constitution.
What happened?
Mr Jimenez was in Minneapolis, reporting on a third night of violent protests over the death of George Floyd. On Tuesday a video emerged, showing a police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck, despite him saying he could not breathe.
Mr Jimenez was reporting live on an arrest happening in the area where a police station was burnt out.
After the crew caught the arrest on camera, police officers started moving towards them and instructed them to move.
On the video, Mr Jimenez identifies himself as a CNN journalist and can be heard telling the officers: “We can move back to where you’d like here. We are live on the air at the moment.”
An officer in riot gear then says, “You are under arrest” and leads him away in handcuffs.
What has the reaction been?
CNN called the arrests a “clear violation of their First Amendment rights” in a tweet. The First Amendment to the US constitution protects freedom of speech and of association.
A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves – a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 29, 2020
