Charges dropped against Independent journalist arrested and shackled during Seattle protests

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Chief US correspondent Andrew Buncombe was detained, shackled and assaulted by a prison guard after being arrested on a charge of “failure to disperse” as local police sought to clear demonstrators in Seattle’s Cal Anderson Park, prompting strong criticism from press freedom and human rights organisations. Mr Buncombe’s arrest sparked international condemnation, amid concern over police violence against members of the press covering protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd. “Now we need to celebrate the importance of truly independent journalism and defend the rights of the free press in the nation of the First Amendment, which once led the world in championing the role of journalism in society.” Writing for The Independent on Wednesday, John Simpson, the BBC world affairs editor, described the “disturbing” impact of Donald Trump’s presidency. In Seattle, councillor Lisa Herbold wrote to mayor Jenny Durkan and police chief Carmen Best demanding action on Mr Buncombe’s “unacceptable” treatment.