France: CFWIJ Alarmed Following AFP’s Team Attack By Anti-Vax Protesters
Location: France, Paris
Date: January 18, 2022
Photo Credit: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt/AFP
Two video journalists, including a woman working for the Agence France-Presse (AFP) were attacked during an anti-vax protests in Paris on January 15. Following a violent attack by a man making death threats against the woman video journalist, she quickly found herself surrounded by about 50 protesters at the rally organised by the “Patriots” movement. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by increasing attacks against press members covering anti-vax rallies and calls on authorities to identify and punish the perpetrators.
The woman video journalist whose identity remains anonymous was violently attacked by a hooded man holding a megaphone making death threats against her.
Two security guards who were accompanying the AFP team were also beaten, including with batons when they stepped in to help the journalists. According to AFP, the guards and the journalists said they were threatened with death before one of the security guards was hit on the head with a bottle, injuring his scalp.
AFP said they will file a complaint following the attack. “AFP is determined to defend the exercise of journalism in the field,” said the agency’s chairman Fabrice Fries.
L’#AFP va porter plainte à la suite de l’agression dont a été victime une de ses équipes, samedi à Paris lors d'un rassemblement anti-pass vaccinal organisé par le mouvement Les Patriotes de Florian Philippot.https://t.co/sn5UmktLye pic.twitter.com/urGtANsvvc
— AFP Communications (@AFPcom) January 16, 2022
The National Syndicate of Journalists (SNJ) condemned the “habitual” attacks against press members during the anti vaccination protests in France.
SNJ said that the violence seen during the last weeks against press members is “a logical continuation following a December 5th speech by Eric Zemmour” - a presidential candidate who, according to them, encourages hate against journalists.
Ces violences sont la suite logique des événements constatés lors du meeting @ZemmourEric à Villepinte le 5 décembre, encouragés par le candidat lui-même, et des appels à la haine lancés contre les #journalistes par l'extrême droite 😡
— SNJ - premier syndicat de journalistes (@SNJ_national) January 17, 2022
COMMUNIQUÉ SNJ ⬇️ https://t.co/oLDGsZWrY0 https://t.co/eVaS1RMyf0
The Coalition For Women In Journalism has been consistently reporting on the attacks against women journalists covering the anti- vaccination protests in France.
The latest case from France reported by CFWIJ occurred only days ago on January 14, 2022, when photographer Estelle Ruiz was physically assaulted by protesters during an anti-vax demonstration in Nantes. Three persons put Estelle on the ground and damaged her equipment.
The attacks against journalists in the country are concerning threats towards press freedom and free speech. As we are alarmed by these attacks, we call on authorities to investigate these cases and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.