TV reporter accosted by Qatar officials during live interview amid threats of violence to break camera just days before World Cup
The journalist's live TV report from Qatar on the eve of the 2022 World Cup was interrupted by officials
Danish journalist Rasmus Tantholdt was delivering a live report for broadcaster TV2 with his camera crew next to a Doha roundabout when footage shows Qatari officials driving a golf buggy approach. One of them tried to grab the camera, putting his hand over the lens, while two other people also exited the buggy.
Danish station TV2 said on its website: “The team was bluntly told that if they didn’t stop filming, their cameras would be destroyed. This is despite the fact that TV2’s team has acquired the correct accreditations and reported from a public place.”
"We are live on Danish television," the journalist said during the live report. "Mister, you invited the whole world to come here, why can't we film? It's a public place."
Another clip shows the reporter displaying his accreditation to film in the country, which the officials did not accept, saying he still needed permission.
One of the officials grabbed the camera again, with Tantholdt approaching him. He appears to say something to the reporter, who responds: "You want to break the camera? Ok you can break the camera. So you are threatening us by smashing the camera?"
The clip has since gone viral, with many condemning the actions of the Qatar officials on Tuesday. The Middle Eastern country has strict, repressive laws on free speech, with zero independent media companies based there, the Mirror reports.
Mr Tantholdt has since confirmed on Twitter: "We now got an apology from Qatar International Media Office and from Qatar Supreme Commitee. This is what happened when we were broadcasting live for TV2 from a roundabout in Doha. But will it happen to other media as well?"
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.