ix anti-lockdown protesters who has verbally abused BBC journalist Nick Watt in London have been convicted.
Five men and a woman chased and abused Newsnight’s political editor as he left Downing Street in whitehall on June 14 last year.
In a video, shared a lot on Twitter, a man dressed in a leather biker vest, repeatedly barks “traitor” at Mr. Watt, as he is outnumbered by the crowd. Another man in a blue shirt on his chest knocks the fleeing Mr Watts to the ground and screams in his face.
The disturbing footage prompted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to tweet: “Outrageous to see Nick Watt doing his job. The media must be able to report the facts without fear or favor – they are the lifeblood of our democracy.”
A number of MPs also condemned the abuse.
The mob was accused of using threatening or insulting words or behavior with intent to cause intimidation, alarm or distress.
Gary Purnell, 45, Martin Hockridge, 58, Alexander Peat, 35, Christopher Aitken, 63, and Djazia Chaib-Eddour, 44, were found guilty on Monday.
Martin Hockridge out of court in June
/ FATHERJoseph Olswang, 40, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
“A video of this incident sparked a huge amount of online comment and public concern. The behavior of these people was unacceptable,” Detective James Harold said.
“Members of the public, of any profession, have the right to go about their day without being subjected to verbal harassment or actions that put them in fear for their safety.”
The group was on trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court from June 29 to July 1. They will be sentenced on August 30.
BBC News Director Jonathan Munro said: “Nick Watt is a brilliant journalist who was just doing his job that day when he was targeted on the streets of Westminster.
“All journalists should be able to do their jobs without harassment or impediment and we will continue to stand up for our right to do so.”