U.N. Human-Rights Chief: Trump’s Press Attacks ‘Close to Incitement of Violence’

Donald Trump’s relentless anti-press rhetoric could “easily” lead to journalists being attacked, the U.N. head of human rights has warned, saying the president's outbursts are “very close to incitement of violence.” Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, a Jordanian prince and diplomat, is stepping down this month as U.N. high commissioner for human rights—he decided not to stand for a second term because he felt world powers are becoming less committed to fighting abuses. “We began to see a campaign against the media… that could have potentially, and still can, set in motion a chain of events which could quite easily lead to harm being inflicted on journalists just going about their work and potentially some self-censorship,” Zeid said. “And in that context, it’s getting very close to incitement to violence.” Trump has repeatedly cast the press as “the enemy of the people” and a hallmark of his rallies is supporters screaming abuse at members of the media. Zeid also warned that Trump is being used as a “demonstration” in other countries of how to whip up hatred and mistrust against the media.