Freedom of the Press

• Prize
• Photographer
  Stuart Sperling, United States

Photographers Rights issues have become central to matters of civil rights, worldwide.

Following rumors of police having beaten a drunken and disorderly man to death, the photographer, who had been photographing police, is immobilized by four policemen and carried into their temporary command post. While in the doorway, a man affiliated with the police rushes forward, appearing prepared for an imminent strike. Ranking officers insist that the man restrain himself, and he clamps his teeth down onto his fist. The photographer’s primary camera is removed for selective deletion of images, while a secondary camera, of lower image quality, is left unexamined. The photographer is released quickly. No images of the alleged primary incident were captured. Bethlehem, Palestine, Christmas Morning 2012.

MFA, University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
BA, University of Pennsylvania (through Annenberg School for Communication)