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Alert

Police disguised as journalists attempt to lure gunman out of nursery school

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ press release:


Media Release
June 2nd 2000

Journalists Warn Over "Disturbing Tactics" To End Luxembourg Hostage Drama

The International Federation of Journalists has expressed concern over the "disturbing tactics" by police who disguised themselves as journalists to lure a gunman out of a nursery school in Luxembourg where he was holding 20 children and their teachers hostage. The man was shot, reportedly using a gun concealed in a fake camera.

"All journalists will be pleased that this horrifying threat to the lives of young children was ended without further bloodshed," said Aidan White, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists, "but we also believe strongly that police should not pretend to be journalists.

"Cameramen are always potential targets when filming in dangerous conditions. Incidents like this may put them at even more risk from trigger-happy criminals or security forces who may suspect their motives.

"Each year many journalists die reporting on incidents of violence or from conflict zones and their lives are dangerous enough without adding to their difficulties. These are disturbing tactics and we have to be aware of the consequences."

The IFJ has asked its member organisation in Luxembourg, the Association of Luxembourg Journalists, to investigate the incident and to clarify how the police decision to disguise themselves as journalists was reached.

The IFJ is the world?s largest organisation of journalists representing more than 450,000 journalists in 105 countries.