Orthodox photographer assaulted by a police officer in New York - demands compensation

Shimon Gifter, an orthodox photographer, filed a lawsuit this week against the city of New York police for the brutality and illegal behavior against him by a policeman, who pinned him against the wall and handcuffed him in handcuffs, as he was filming a violent incident which occurred in Flatbush Brooklyn.


The incident occurred last Wednesday, at three in the afternoon. Photographer of the 'Vos iz neis' website, heard the violent incident that occurred on 15th Avenue, during which a fight involving about 50 people broke out, and hurried to the spot.

Gifter says: "When I arrived there was no trace of a fight, I took some pictures of the place, and then I stopped to talk to David Wilner, who witnessed what happened at the scene. Meanwhile, we noticed a policeman stopping for questioning a group of youths passing by. I took out the video camera and I started to photograph the event. Then another officer came up to me and told me I could not photograph because there are children are involved. I told him that I had permission to film and I was a journalist. The officer - who knows me already from other events - smiled, and joined the other officers."

But the incident had just begun. "Five minutes later, I see five policemen coming my way; one of them came from behind, handcuffed me in handcuffs and told me I was under arrest. I asked why, the officer refused to answer. I told him I was a journalist and he asked for my press card. I tried to put my hand in my pocket to pull out my press card, but the officer forbade me to move my hand.


"At this point the cop took my camera, deleted all the movies in it, and threw it to the floor, causing it serious damage, and then he took my BlackBerry device and also threw it on the floor."

A Jew named Sammy Teitelbaum, who witnessed the incident, tried to intervene in favor of Gifter, but the policeman threatened him arrest him too.


Gifter notes that last year police arrested at least 28 journalists and chief police of New York police have issued an order regarding conduct with journalists.


Gifter's lawyer made it clear that he requires the dismissal of a police officer or demotion, as well as compensation for the damage caused to the equipment and the loss of photo archive in the camera.

Police spokesman, Samal Lee Jonas said that the police are investigating the case.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!