In a development that has sent shock waves through the journalism community, New York City independent journalist Samuel Seligson was arrested midday today, August 6th for documenting the previous vandalism of homes owned by Brooklyn Museum leaders.
Samuel Seligson, an established independent journalist known for his in-depth coverage of social movements and political activism, was apprehended by NYPD in downtown Manhattan. The arrest follows his recent involvement in documenting pro-Palestinian protests across the city, in particular for documenting the previous vandalism of homes owned by Brooklyn Museum workers.
Authorities have charged Seligson with two counts of felony hate crime and criminal mischief. Alleging that his non-participation but presence and reportage during the vandalism and graffiti of the home of Brooklyn Museum Director Anne Pasternak and four others.
The museum, which has been at the center of a heated debate over its portrayal of Middle Eastern politics, suffered significant damage during the protests.
Supporters of Seligson argue that he was merely performing his journalistic duty, capturing the raw and unfiltered essence of a contentious political demonstration. Journalists have swiftly condemned the arrest, calling it an infringement on press freedom and an attempt to criminalize critical reporting.
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