New details arise describing the horrible attack on CBS foreign correspondent Lara Logan in Egypt last week. While reporting on the resignation of president Hosni Mubarak, Logan was separated from her film crew and security team. She has since reported that a frenzied mob of 200 men surrounded and sexually assaulted her. Logan reportedly was stripped of her clothing, punched, and poked with protesters’ flag poles. She was assaulted for 30 minutes before being helped by Egyptian soldiers and a group of women. Lara Logan returned to the U.S. and was in a New York hospital for five days. She is now recovering in her home with her family by her side.
The release of these new details on Lara Logan’s assault make clear the current chaotic state in Egypt. In the midst of the governmental struggles, journalists are experiencing the brunt of Egyptians’ frustrations. Attacks like this demonstrate just how tumultuous and dangerous reporting can be, and should not be taken lightly as many news reports have. Sexist remarks and stories based solely on theory surround the Lara Logan attack, including disturbing tweets posted by journalist Nir Rosen. He tweeted multiple statements including, “Jesus Christ, at a moment when she is going to become a martyr and glorified we should at least remember her role as a major war monger,” and, “Look, she was probably groped like thousands of other women.” Reducing a serious sexual assault to a joke is unacceptable and deserves repercussions. Rosen has since resigned from his fellowship from New York University’s Center on Law and Security and has apologized via Twitter to Lara Logan, her family, and anyone he offended.
The emergence of the disturbing details of Logan’ attack is only followed by equally disturbing sexists comments negating the seriousness of sexual assault. Hopefully more people will learn to respect female journalism and the risks they take in reporting overseas.
