Attacks on Journalists in Germany Reach Alarming Levels Amid Rising Hostility

Germany experienced a dramatic rise in physical attacks on journalists in 2024, with the number of documented incidents more than doubling compared to the previous year. According to a new report from the international watchdog group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 89 physical assaults on members of the press were recorded last year. This marks the second-highest figure ever documented in the country, following the peak seen in the pandemic year of 2022.

Most of these assaults occurred at public demonstrations—especially those linked to the Middle East conflict, as well as far-right rallies and protests by anti-abortion groups. The majority of attacks targeted individual journalists, with 14 incidents directed at editorial offices or private homes. RSF emphasizes that these numbers likely underrepresent the real extent of violence, particularly in local journalism, where many attacks go unreported.

Violence Escalates at Demonstrations

The data points to a troubling pattern. Of the 89 documented cases, 75 were direct attacks on people. Journalists were kicked, punched, and assaulted with objects such as flagpoles and drumsticks. Some were sprayed with pepper spray, thrown to the ground, or hit with coffee cups and raw eggs.

The worst concentration of violence occurred in Berlin, where 38 attacks were registered at pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023. Another 21 assaults came from conspiracy-driven and far-right environments.

The RSF report highlights a deepening hostility toward the press and a narrowing of accepted viewpoints in public discourse. It states that media workers are increasingly treated as adversaries by groups outside their perceived political alignment. Coverage of the Gaza conflict, in particular, has become a focal point of this pressure, with RSF receiving reports from multiple newsrooms about a restricted range of acceptable opinions when reporting on Israel and Palestine.

Journalists’ Unions Demand Action

The rise in violence has triggered strong reactions from press unions across Germany. Mika Beuster, chairman of the German Journalists Association (DJV), described the situation as a “new dimension of aggression” against reporters. “Journalism is becoming increasingly dangerous,” he said, adding that such assaults threaten not just individual safety, but also the democratic system as a whole.

Danica Bensmail, managing director of the journalists’ union dju within the Verdi trade union, called on federal lawmakers to incorporate binding protections for journalists into the new coalition agreement. “Reporters must be able to work without fear of violence,” she said. According to Bensmail, feedback from members indicates a steady rise in hostility toward media professionals, mirroring the trends documented by RSF.

Concerns Over Shrinking Space for Free Journalism

RSF’s report also raised alarm over what it calls a “strongly narrowed corridor of opinion,” particularly in politically charged areas of reporting. The organization warns that pressures from both political extremes and social media outrage are pushing journalists into self-censorship.

Beyond physical danger, many journalists have also expressed fear of being publicly harassed, doxxed, or defamed online—particularly after covering controversial subjects. This digital intimidation, often coordinated on platforms like X, TikTok, or Telegram, is making many in the profession feel increasingly vulnerable and isolated.

The growing divide between media workers and certain segments of the public is leading to an environment in which journalists are vilified simply for doing their jobs. RSF notes that even experienced professionals are questioning their ability to report impartially without personal risk.

Press Freedom Under Pressure

Germany traditionally ranks high in international press freedom indexes, but these latest developments suggest a need for serious intervention. Legal protections exist, but enforcement and practical safeguards have not kept pace with the rising threat level.

RSF, DJV, and dju are united in calling for greater accountability from law enforcement, better protection at high-risk events, and institutional backing to ensure media workers can report safely and independently.

The report closes with a call to action directed at political leaders, law enforcement agencies, and media organizations. Unless immediate measures are taken to protect journalists, the foundations of democratic dialogue in Germany may face lasting damage.