The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded an investigation into the attack of Minneapolis police on a RIA Novosti correspondent

RIA Novosti own correspondent in the United States Mikhail Turgiev, who is covering the protests in Minneapolis, suffered from the actions of the local police.

According to the agency, after the dispersal of one of the protests in the city, the police purposefully used a tear spray against a Russian journalist, as well as a Vice TV crew. A police officer sprayed pepper spray directly into Turgiev's face, despite the fact that he introduced himself and showed his ID.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a special commentary on the incident, calling it "a manifestation of unreasonable cruelty."

“It is unacceptable for media workers to be attacked by law enforcement personnel in the performance of their professional duty. We remind the US authorities of their international obligations to ensure the safety and unhindered activities of journalists, as well as freedom of expression and equal access to information for all. We proceed from the fact that the American competent authorities will conduct a thorough investigation of the incidents that have occurred, ”the diplomatic department said in a statement.

MIA Rossiya Segodnya also demanded an investigation into the actions of the Minneapolis police.

Mikhail Turgiev said that now he feels well. “Everything is in order, the burning sensation is gone, the vision is not affected,” he said.

The Bellingcat investigative project cites several testimonies of attacks on journalists covering mass protests in the United States. Among the victims of police actions, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, are CNN, CBS, NBC correspondents, Australian, Swedish, Norwegian journalists. In total, according to the publication, at least 29 people were injured.

Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz issued a formal apology to journalists who were detained and injured at the protests.

• Mass protests, accompanied by riots and clashes with police officers, began in Minneapolis on May 25 after the death of 46-year-old African American George Floyd. He was detained by the police on suspicion of using counterfeit banknotes in a store. One of the police officers dropped Floyd face down on the pavement and pressed his knee on his neck until he stopped breathing. The culprit in the death of an African American has already been fired from the police, he has been charged with murder.
• Protests over the death of George Floyd have spread to many American cities. Curfews have been imposed in 25 cities in 16 states.