In Egypt, journalists attacked while covering protests

Two Egyptian journalists were assaulted on September 14, 2012, in two separate episodes while covering protests against an anti-Islam film, according to news reports.

Security forces beat Rafi Shakir, a photographer for independent daily Al-Shorouk, near the U.S. embassy in Cairo, confiscated his equipment, and briefly detained him, according to news reports. Shakir had identified himself to them as a journalist, news reports said. He sustained bruises on his face and body, the reports said.

An unidentified man threw a brick at the head of Hazim Gawda, a photographer for the private daily Al-Masry al-Youm, near the U.S. consulate in Alexandria, according to news reports. Gawda sustained a head injury, news reports said.

No statement was issued by the government about the attacks, according to news reports.