Australia opens investigation into U.S. police violence against journalists covering protests in DC

Australia’s ambassador in Washington, Arthur Sinodinos, said that his government was “in discussion with the State Department and they have offered assistance to identify where the complaint should be targeted.”

Ambassador Arthur Culvahouse, President Donald Trump’s Ambassador to Australia, said in a statement Tuesday that the administration takes “treatment of journalists seriously.”

“As Secretary Pompeo has stated, “At all levels, the Department of State works tirelessly to advance press freedom and we honor those  who have dedicated and even sacrificed their lives to sustaining democracy through journalism.” 

In the last four days, more than 120 press freedom violations have been reported nationwide by journalists covering the unrest sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, according to data compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists. 

Authorities cleared out protesters near the White House on Monday evening, making way for Trump and several top administration officials to walk to nearby St. John’s Church, where the president posed with a Bible.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Article source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/02/australia-launches-investigation-into-police-violence-against-tv-crew.html