Israeli settler hurls racist remarks at TRT Haber team, disrupting live broadcast
TRT News reporter Mucahit Aydemir and cameraman Omer Awwad broadcasting live in Tel Aviv, Israel, 2 October 2024 (TRT News screenshot)
During a live broadcast, an Israeli settler interrupted the TRT Haber team, which was reporting on the aftermath of Iranian missile strikes in Israel. The settler directed racist remarks at the team.
During a live broadcast from Tel Aviv, TRT Haber correspondent Mucahit Aydemir and cameraman Omer Awwad were obstructed by Israeli settlers as they tried to film the aftermath. Despite repeatedly asserting their status as accredited journalists, the TRT team faced continuous harassment.
While the Israeli individual did not disturb other journalists, the Turkish team was specifically targeted. The harassers pressured Aydemir, telling him to “go back to Türkiye” and obstructed the camera while hurling insults.
The situation escalated further when Israeli police arrived on the scene and forced the TRT broadcast to be cut off.
Fahrettin Altun condemns harassment of journalists in Israel
Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun issued a statement condemning the recent harassment of journalists covering the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized that journalists reporting on the massacres in these regions are being targeted not only by Israeli security forces but also by Israeli settlers disguised as civilians.
The latest incident involved an Israeli settler harassing the TRT Haber team during a live broadcast, attempting to disrupt their coverage. This harassment, Altun noted, is just the latest example of the increasing threats faced by journalists.
Altun also criticized Israeli police for detaining TRT Haber journalists and launching an investigation into them, while ignoring the actions of the provocateur. He called this a clear sign that Israel is experiencing a “collective hysteria.”
“Whatever Israel does, journalists who keep communication channels open from Gaza and Lebanon will always be present,” Altun concluded, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to supporting freedom of the press.
