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Video: NYPD Blocks NY Times Photographer From OWS Arrests
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Dec 12, 2011
Modified Dec 12, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Dec 12, 2011
Modified Dec 12, 2011
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Earlier today nearly 20 protesters were arrested in the atrium of the World Financial Centre following a protest against Goldman Sachs. This video appears to show a credentialed photographer attempting to photograph the arrests of protesters, being pushed back with a baton by one NYPD officer. Another officer continues to block his line of sight. "Touch me again," the photographer warns the officer before taking his name and badge number. The officer continues to block his vision, and he pulls out an iPhone to document what was occurring.
The incident in question begins at the 2:00 mark.
We're still confirming the identity of the photographer, but based on his own muffled introduction to the police officer, it appears to be Robert Stolarik, for the New York Times. Stolarik has been covering Occupy Wall Street extensively, and was one of the few journalists who was able to remain in Zuccotti Park during the November 14 raid. His photos of today's action appear with the article.
[UPDATE] Andy Newman, City Room's bureau chief, has confirmed that the photographer is in fact freelancer Robert Stolarik and that he was working for the Times this morning. We asked the Times if they plan on releasing a statement regarding the incident in light of a letter the paper signed, along with many other New York media outlets, condemning the NYPD's treatment of the press during Occupy Wall Street.
Though the paper isn't planning on releasing a statement, Eileen Murphy, VP of corporate communications for the Times, responds to our question via email:
The directive Commissioner Kelly issued
reiterated that the police are not supposed to be interfering with the media’s ability to do their job and cover newsworthy events. We are disappointed that it seems, in this instance, not to have been followed or implemented on the ground.
This isn't the first time Stolarik has allegedly been mistreated by the NYPD. In 2004, the Villager reported that he was tackled to the ground attempting to photograph GOP convention protesters near Union Square.
“It’s the most uncomfortable I’ve ever been as a journalist and I’ve had a gun to my head in Colombia,” Stolarik, 35, said. “All of your rights can be taken away instantly.”
Tagged
media blackout
new york times
nypd
occupy wall street
press
press credentials
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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