A New York City photojournalist was arrested in Chinatown on Tuesday while filming police officers take another man into custody.
Amr Alfiky — whose work has appeared in the NY Times, Reuters and NPR — was hauled off by cops after recording two officers apprehending a shirtless, emotionally disturbed man at Division and Ludlow Streets.
An NYPD spokesperson claimed that Alfiky refused to comply with orders to step back and did not identify himself as a journalist until he was in custody. Video posted to Twitter, meanwhile, shows at least four cops surrounding and handcuffing Alfiky, as he repeatedly explains, "I am a journalist" and offers to show them his press credentials.
He was charged with obstructing governmental administration and issued a criminal summons.
The NYPD has a lengthy history of harassing and arresting journalists, activists, film students and anyone else trying to document arrests. Photographing and videotaping anything in public view, including federal buildings and the police, is 100% legal in NYC as long as the documentation does not impede any law enforcement activity.
A video posted to Alfiky's Instagram story also shows the moments leading up to the arrest, as Alfiky and others film two officers detaining the shirtless man — with no apparent impediment to their ability to make the arrest. "What are you guys recording?" one of the cops asks.
"Please don't go away," the man tells onlookers. "I got a bad heart and he's kneeing me in my chest." The cops call for backup and the video ends shortly after.
The unidentified man was taken to Bellevue Hospital in unknown condition, according to a police spokesperson.
At around 10 p.m., Alfiky tweeted: "I’m out and safe. Thank you all for your invaluable support!
