Independent Body Investigates Copenhagen Police After Demonstration Clashes

Safety around political rallies in Copenhagen is in the spotlight this week. The police complaints body is now investigating local police officers. Officers hit two press photographers during central Copenhagen protests on Saturday. Clashes between rival groups led to eight arrests that day.

The incidents involved photographers from Danish newspapers Politiken and Ekstra Bladet. One photographer was hit several times and had his camera smashed. He received treatment at a local emergency room after the incident. The other photographer was hit on the arm despite wearing press credentials.

Copenhagen Police passed the cases to the independent authority known as DUP. Police stated they do not wish to hinder the press in their work. However, newspaper editors called the police actions serious and completely unacceptable. Journalist unions have now asked to meet the national police commissioner. According to the Copenhagen Post, the investigation is officially underway.