Yes, journalists would be considered to be one of the demonstrators by both parties. They are not geared out like the riot police, so do not look similar.
At the same time, it's inconceivable that a journalist could be mistaken for a rioting, window breaking, projectile throwing looter.
Which says something important about where the riot-gear-clad police are aiming their "cross fire". (And hence why the protests are needed, and why some of the protesters become violent after a few generations of the same old same old...)
but it isn't clear at least from the video, police are going out of their way to shut down the press, as in they have a press vendetta or want to censor
which is the impression i got was going on based on the headline and linked article
I suspect there's way less "cross" in that "cross fire" than the term you're using implies.