Concerns about freedoms for journalists covering the Beijing Winter Olympics appear to have been realised after distressing footage emerged over the weekend of a Dutch reporter being bullied and manhandled by a security guard.
Sjoerd den Daas, a correspondent with Dutch state broadcaster NOS, was reporting on the opening ceremony outside Beijing’s National Stadium on Friday evening when he was interrupted and then dragged away in a physical altercation.
A visibly shaken anchor back in the studio ended the report following the distressing scenes. Apparently den Daas later finished his report.
Watch the fracas below:
Den Daas’s employer NOS didn’t hold back in its response, tweeting: “Unfortunately, this is increasingly becoming a daily reality for journalists in China.”
For its part, the International Olympic Committee responded to the incident by saying the security guard had been “overzealous”.
“I’ve seen that. We’ve obviously been in touch with NOS, the state broadcaster, and it was an unfortunate circumstance,” said IOC spokesman Mark Adams.
“I think someone was being overzealous.
“He (den Daas) was able very quickly afterwards with the help of officials there to do his piece to camera.
“These things do happen. And I think it’s a one-off. I hope it’s a one-off.
“We assure you that within the close (closed loop), you’ll be able to carry on your work,” Adams said. The closed loop refers to the system used to keep competitors, officials and the press away from the general public due to COVID-19.
The Games organisers also attempted to assuage the international media, with spokeswoman Yan Jiarong reassuring journalists they won’t be interfered with.
“We welcome all the international media to cover the Beijing 2022 Games, and we will also protect the legal rights of the international journalists,” Jiarong said.
“And according to the host country, we will provide as many conveniences to you the journalists to enable you to cover the Beijing games.”
