AFP photographer, Capital TV cameraman injured in Karachi

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 16 January 2015 |  JP Staff Reporter

Two journalists were injured during a protest in Karachi against blasphemous caricatures. The police intervened with aerial firing and water cannons.

Summary

KARACHI: AFP photographer Asif Hassan (pictured) and Capital TV cameraman Adeel were injured Friday in firing and clashes as they covered a protest near the French Consulate in Karachi.

Different religious parties held demonstrations against blasphemous caricatures published by French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo.

The police resorted to aerial firing and used water cannons to stop the protestors from marching towards the consulate. Hassan received a bullet in the chest during the clashes. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is now stated to be in stable condition.

Adeel also received injuries and bruises in clashes but was reported to be stable.

Journalists unions condemned the attack and demanded a fair probe into the incident.

In a statement, Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid expressed his deep concern and sorrow over injuries to the two individuals.

KEY POINTS:

• AFP photographer Asif Hassan and cameraman Adeel injured
• Protest against Charlie Hebdo caricatures near French Consulate
• Police used aerial firing and water cannons to disperse crowd
• Hassan sustained a bullet wound, now stable
• Journalists unions demand investigation into the incident