Harassment of journalists in the Netherlands surges in 2024
The number of journalists in the Netherlands facing harassment increased in 2024, according to figures released by PersVeilig, an organization that tracks threats to media professionals. A total of 249 incidents were reported last year, up from 218 in 2023 and 198 in 2022.
Most of the incidents involved threats, which occurred 99 times, followed by discrimination or intimidation (72 incidents) and physical violence (56 cases). While threats decreased compared to 2023, instances of physical violence and intimidation rose. PersVeilig reported that 68 incidents took place in person, while 46 occurred via social media.
PersVeilig noted a "significant increase" in incidents during protests and riots in 2024. This surge was largely attributed to pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) in the spring. Of the 43 protest-related reports, more than 40 were linked to events at the UvA.
"Many journalists were subjected to physical violence, intimidation, and threats," said Peter ter Velde of PersVeilig. In 2023, only 15 incidents were linked to demonstrations, highlighting a sharp year-over-year increase.
Despite the rising numbers, PersVeilig acknowledged positive cooperation with the police in several cases. Following the incidents at the UvA, the Amsterdam police took the initiative to evaluate how they could better protect journalists. PersVeilig conducted a survey among journalists affected by the UvA protests, which led to discussions between journalists and police officials. "The Amsterdam police invited journalists to talk after this assessment," Ter Velde noted.
One notable success in 2024 was the peaceful Sunneklaas festival on Ameland. The previous year, a PowNed camera crew covering the event was harassed and chased off the island, where outsiders are traditionally unwelcome. PersVeilig credited the improved situation to early collaboration with the Noord-Nederland police, who engaged journalists ahead of the event.
