Robin Ramaekers, a TV journalist working for the news service of the Flemish independent broadcaster VTM, has been injured while reporting from the Lebanese capital Beirut. His Flemish cameraman Stijn De Smet was also hurt. The VTM crew had gone to a location hit by Israeli strikes last night.
Flemish TV journalist Robin Ramaekers and cameraman injured while reporting in Beirut
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‘Robin Ramaekers and his cameraman, together with a fixer, wanted to make a report on the impact of the bombings,’ explains VRT journalist Jens Franssen. A fixer is a local intermediary who assists journalists on the ground.
‘That's when the crowd turned against them. Robin Ramaekers and his cameraman were beaten up. To be clear they were in a neighbourhood where there are a lot of Hezbollah supporters.’
The Israeli strike had also targeted a building linked to Hezbollah.
Hezbollah is the Lebanese Shi’ite movement that controls large parts of southern Lebanon and is in conflict with the State of Isreal.
Both Ramaekers and De Smet were questioned for several hours. Suspicion reigns in Beirut. Informers have provided the Israelis with detailed information about targets. Locals are understandibly wary of spies.
Mr Ramaekers is now receiving treatment for facial fractures and other injuries in hospital. Stijn De Smet is being treated for a leg wound in another hospital. Their families have been informed. Daily Het Laatste Nieuws reports that both men are doing well given the circumstances.
‘Obviously, from the News City editorial offices, we are doing everything we can to help Robin and Stijn,’ says Nicholas Lataire, director of News City, the news provider of VTM, Het Laatste Nieuws and several magazines.
‘We are in contact with Robin and Stijn and also with their families. The Belgian embassy has also been called in and is providing support to our colleagues on the ground. We are doing everything possible to bring our colleagies back home as soon as possible. Our full attention is now focused on them.’