Journalists face physical and racist violence at National Rally congress, prompting calls for security and freedom of press protections ahead of the presidential election.
Journalists attacked at National Rally congress
Fourteen media outlets have reported on the physical and racist violence experienced by several journalists during the congress of the National Rally (RN). The incidents occurred as journalists were covering the event, and the reports have sparked calls for a response from the political party.Violence against journalists detailed
Two journalists from Mediapart and Politis were attacked, assaulted, and removed from the premises while performing their professional duties. A journalist from Canard Enchaîné was also pushed and intimidated during the event.Freedom of press under threat
The incidents are described as an unacceptable violation of the freedom to inform, exacerbated by physical violence and racist insults. The signatories of the letter emphasize that no journalist should have to endure such intimidation simply for performing their job.Journalists not political supporters
The letter highlights a fundamental principle: a journalist covering a political event is not a supporter of that event or its opponents. The confusion surrounding their role, if not corrected, risks legitimizing the violence they have suffered.Call for condemnation and protection
The signatories called on the National Rally to publicly condemn the acts and ensure that all journalists can cover its events under conditions of security and freedom that meet democratic requirements.Signatories include prominent media figures
First signatories included Lénaïg Bredoux and Valentine Oberti, editorial co-directors of Mediapart; Pierre Jacquemain, editor-in-chief of Politis; Jean-François Julliard, editor-in-chief of Canard Enchaîné; and other prominent media leaders from major French outlets.
