News Corp journalist and photographer victims of alleged assault at Fraser Anning press conference
A press conference held by Senator Fraser Anning has descended into violence, with a man arrested for allegedly assaulting a News Corp photographer and making “intimidatory” remarks to a female journalist.
The man was arrested on the scene, and charged with common assault, intimidation and “behave in an offensive manner”.
NSW Police said the cameraman had his equipment knocked to the ground, and his shirt ripped, during the alleged assault.
The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 16 May 2019.
News Corp confirmed the incident in a statement to Mumbrella.
“A photographer and journalist from the St George Shire Standard are the complainants in relation to an alleged assault during a press conference in Cronulla earlier today,” a News Corp spokesperson said.
“The safety of our staff, and their ability to report in news events unhindered is of utmost importance to us, and is a fundamental right for all journalists.”
Anning was in Cronulla announcing Peter Kelly as a candidate for the Cook electorate.
He later posted to Twitter his party, The Conservative Nationals, would “ban all Muslim and black immigration” due to the “concern” of the residents of Cronulla.
The people of Cronulla and NSW are very concerned about Muslim immigration and they have every right to.
My party will ban all Muslim and Black immigration and ensure safety for Australians once more.
— Senator Fraser Anning (@fraser_anning) April 26, 2019
