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| Female journalist shazila on the shoulder camera |
City TV News BD, 05/01/2019
In a heartbreaking moment of sheer determination and resilience, journalist Shazila Abdelrahman, a brave reporter for Kairali Television, was viciously attacked by protesters while covering the violent clashes in Kerala on Wednesday. Despite enduring injury and humiliation, Shazila refused to part with her camera, continuing to document the truth even as tears rolled down her face.
The chaos unfolded as tensions erupted in several cities across Kerala after two women, Ammini (40) and Konka Durga (39), defied the centuries-old ban prohibiting women of menstruating age from entering the Shabrimala temple. This archaic practice was challenged by feminist groups, leading to a historic ruling by the Indian Supreme Court, declaring the ban illegal. However, the struggle didn’t end there. Hindu extremist organizations and temple authorities resisted the ruling, violently preventing women from entering the temple, with the police unable to protect them.
Amid this volatile environment, Shazila was on the front lines, capturing the protests and documenting the violence with her camera. Her eyes filled with tears not just from the physical pain of the assault but from the overwhelming sense of helplessness. Her resolve to keep filming, despite the brutal attack, exemplified the strength of her commitment to truth.
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| Shazila Abdelreharman is continuing to keep video of violence in camera with tears of pain and humiliation |
As Shazila was covering a protest in Thiruvananthapuram, she was suddenly set upon by a group of violent demonstrators. "Someone kicked me in the back, and I couldn't understand where the blow came from," Shazila recalled. "The attackers tried to rip my camera from my hands while I was writhing in pain, but I held on with all my strength. I was pulled, and my neck was slammed with force." Despite being injured, Shazila clung to her camera, unwilling to let go.
Shazila was rushed to the hospital, where she described the emotional toll of the assault to NDTV. "I wasn’t crying because of fear," she said. "I was crying because I felt so helpless. I couldn’t stop them from taking my camera. When five or six people attacked me from behind, trying to snatch my camera and throw it to the ground, I felt powerless. I was crying not because of the violence, but because I feared I would miss documenting this pivotal moment in history. I didn’t want people to see my face and my pain, so I tried to hide behind the camera and keep filming."
Shazila’s courage and professionalism have sparked admiration across social media, where she is being hailed as a symbol of unyielding determination. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, she refused to be silenced, continuing to record the truth in the face of overwhelming odds.
The protests, which culminated in violence and chaos, saw at least one person lose their life during the 12-hour shutdown. Many others, including journalists, were injured, while hundreds of protesters were arrested. The violence was a stark reminder of the immense price paid by those who dare to challenge oppressive systems.
Shazila’s actions have become a beacon of bravery, a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who fight for justice, no matter the cost. Her story will be remembered as one of the countless sacrifices made by individuals who stand up for truth, even in the face of violence and adversity.
