Winter Olympics Reporter Dragged Away By Chinese Security Live On Air
It made for scary viewing with the reporter desperately trying to continue his segment while the in-studio host watched on in disbelief.
A journalist for a Dutch television programme was dragged away live on air by Chinese security while he was trying to report on the Winter Olympics.
Sjoerd den Daas was doing a piece to camera for broadcaster NOS Journaal when he was rudely interrupted by someone in the background.
That person then eventually made their way into the shot and proceeded to pull den Daas away from the scene.
It made for pretty scary viewing with the reporter desperately trying to continue his segment while the in-studio host watched on in disbelief.
The Dutch broadcasters took to social media to provide an update on their correspondent's safety.
NOS Journaal posted: "Our correspondent was pulled away from the camera by security guards at 12:00 pm live in the NOS Journaal.
"Unfortunately, this is increasingly becoming a daily reality for journalists in China.
"He is fine and was able to finish his story a few minutes later."
It remains unknown why the Chinese official wearing a black jacket and red armband was so eager to stop den Daas from reporting on events near Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium.
But since the footage of the incident has now been seen by loads of people online, the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) has been forced to issued a statement of their own to address it.
"Obviously, we have been in touch with the NOS, the state broadcaster, and it was an unfortunate circumstance," IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said.
"I think someone was being overzealous. He [the reporter] was able to, very quickly afterwards with the help of officials there, do his piece to camera.
"These things do happen and I think it's a one-off. I hope it's a one-off and we will assure you that within the closed loop you will be able to carry on your work."
Some people took to social media to hazard a guess at who the security official was and why he intervened in de Daas' live cross.
A bunch of people on Twitter suspected the man was from a citizen-led neighbourhood watch with potential Communist connections.
Meanwhile, others suggested de Daas' segment was stopped in its tracks because he was in an "un-photogenic" location in Beijing.
Featured Image Credit: NOS JournaalTopics: Video, Sjoerd den Daas, Winter Olympics news, watch, Reporter, Australia, Winter Olympics
Max Sherry