Sunday Herald Sun journalist, photographer arrested at anti-vax protest in Fawkner Park

Victoria Police has apologised after a Herald Sun reporter and photographer were handcuffed and frogmarched at an anti-vax protest.

Herald Sun Reporter Olivia Jenkins and photographer Jake Nowakowski being arrested at an anti-vaccination protest at Fawkner Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Victoria Police has apologised after a Sunday Herald Sun journalist and photographer were arrested while reporting on the protest against the coronavirus vaccine.

Reporter Olivia Jenkins and senior photographer Jake Nowakowski were handcuffed and escorted from the protest after being caught in a group of anti-vaccination protesters at Fawkner Park.

Jenkins and Nowakowski were wearing their Sunday Herald Sun accreditation cards around their necks and identified themselves as journalists but were detained by police and then given a notice that they may be issued with a $1652 fine for failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

In a statement on Sunday afternoon, a police spokeswoman said the force was “very sorry” the two were caught up in the incident and confirmed they would not be fined.

“In the past 12 months, Victoria Police has seen an increase in hostile and at times violent protests throughout the state,” the statement read.

“(Saturday’s) protest at Fawkner Park was no different and during a very dynamic situation, a journalist and photographer were caught up with the protesters and arrested.

Herald Sun photographer Jake Nowakowski being handcuffed by police. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Herald Sun Reporter Olivia Jenkins speaking with a specialist officer. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“To be clear, it is not our intention to arrest journalists who are simply doing their job.

“We understand and appreciate the important role media play reporting on news events such as this and we are generally only too willing to assist them with their requests.

“However, the reality is we have seen an increased number of protesters claim to be media in order to actively avoid police enforcement.”

Victoria Police said the journalist and photographer were placed under arrest until their identity could be verified.

“We are very sorry the journalist and photographer got caught up in this incident. Our focus is always to keep the community safe and maintain public order,” the statement continued.

“We have since spoken to the relevant media outlet to explain why the police action occurred and reaffirm those involved would not be fined.

“Our police do a great job day in and day out, often in difficult circumstances, but on occasion issues like this arise and we must learn from them to maintain the balance between individual rights, enforcing health directions and media reporting on these issues.”

Both Jenkins and Nowakowski were wearing masks and were released by police after about 10 minutes.

Jake said at no point were they given the option to leave during their arrest. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“I was really shocked they arrested us knowing we were from the media,’’ Jenkins said.

“The officers who arrested us weren’t rough. But it was very confronting.

“We were there to cover the protest — to do our jobs — just as the police were there to do theirs.”

Hundreds of protesters had gathered at the park, saying they were concerned people would be forced to have the vaccine against their will and raising doubts about its safety.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has declared both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines safe while the Federal Government has not made the vaccine mandatory.

Nowakowski said: “Police started clearing protesters from the park.”

“We found ourselves in one of these police encirclements,’’ he said. “Once we presented to police we were media they let us out.

“Almost immediately afterwards we found ourselves in another cordon with a handful of protesters. There wouldn’t have been more than seven of us.

“Specialist police started coming in and arresting individuals. At no time were we given the option to leave.”

Both Olivia and Jake verbally identified themselves as media and were wearing masks and their media accreditation. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Nowakowski added: “The police knew we were media. We had our identification out.”

“Olivia and I were the last left in that cordon,’’ he said.

“They just came in and arrested us. They handcuffed us and they took us away for processing.”

Sunday Herald Sun editor Nick Papps said the actions of police were unacceptable.

“We understand police have a job to do but the arrest of Olivia and Jake is an appalling misuse of power by Victoria Police,’’ he said.

“Our reporter and photographer were just doing their jobs and made it clear they were members of the press.

“Yet they were handcuffed, frogmarched and then issued with notices. This is not how democracy operates and this is not how Victoria Police should uphold the right. We will be making our views clear to Victoria Police and ensuring we stand up as we always stand up for the freedom of the press.”

Victoria Police advised it was looking into the incident, including reviewing body-worn camera footage, and had not issued any fines over the matter.