TV reporter 'humiliated' after she is attacked by protesters
A TV reporter has been filmed suffering horrific abuse during a rally in Spain.
Laila Jiménez, a reporter for Spanish television network Telecinco, was preparing to do a cross on Tuesday evening from Barcelona.
The reporter was covering an event to observe the second anniversary of the Catalonia referendum.
However, a protester threw a can of Red Bull at Jiménez’s head as she prepared to go live, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported.
Video shows her visibly distressed as another woman screams in her face.
Another protester hands her a towel to dry herself.
Some protesters claimed the reporter’s presence was a provocation.
Jiménez later told Telecinco the incident was “humiliating” but doesn’t want to be victimised.
“I have never reached this point, although all television journalists are accustomed to the cries and pressures,” she said.
People were disgusted by the treatment of the reporter.
“Those aren’t protesters. Those are people looking for a fight,” one man wrote on social media.
Carlos Martinez de la Serna, of the Committee to Protect Journalists, is calling for an investigation.
"The harassment of journalists covering protests in Spain is far too common. Authorities must put an end to this trend and ensure that journalists can freely and safely cover demonstrations,” he said.
Police estimated about 18,000 people attended the protests in Barcelona on Tuesday.
With The Associated Press
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
