National Press Club Wants Answers On Reported Abuse of Reporters in Missouri

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Aug 13, 2014, 11:25 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Press Club expressed deep concern Wednesday night about reports that at least two reporters covering unrest in Ferguson, Mo., were manhandled and detained by police officers there.

According to multiple accounts, Wesley Lowery of the Washington Post and Ryan Reilly of the Huffington Post were roughed up by officers, detained and later released. The officers did not provide their names, the reports said.

"In the United States, it is not acceptable to prevent reporters from doing their jobs, let alone to knock them around and throw them in jail and then release them as if nothing happened," said NPC President Myron Belkind. "If that is what happened in Ferguson tonight, or anywhere else, those responsible must be held accountable. No one in law enforcement should draw the conclusion that this kind of behavior has no consequences."

The National Press Club, founded in 1908, is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Through its Press Freedom Committee, it advocates for press freedom and transparency worldwide.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO

Contact: John M. Donnelly, Press Freedom Committee chairman, 202 7466020; [email protected]

SOURCE National Press Club