France: Racists Attack Salhia Brakhlia Online Following Contentious Interview with Far-Right Politician
TV presenter sent offensive message online after challenging far-right narratives
Location: France, Paris
Date: December 5, 2023
Following an intense confrontation on Franceinfo between journalist Salhia Brakhlia and politician Marion Maréchal, Brakhlia was attacked with racist insults from the far-right on social media. This incident comes after Jewish columnist Ruth Elkrief received threats and required police protection following a television interview with a far-left politician earlier this week. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands firmly against the recent surge of hostility targeting women journalists in France. The disturbing events highlight the urgent need to address the safety and rights of women in journalism. We call for a thorough investigation into the racist message directed at Brakhlia and demand an immediate cessation of harmful rhetoric from politicians that fuels extremist groups in France.
On December 5, 2023, Salhia Brakhlia, presenter with Franceinfo, shared a screenshot on Twitter, exposing a message with overtly racist undertones that she received following her on-air debate with far-right politician Marion Maréchal.
The message sought to undermine Brakhlia’s credibility as a journalist based on her Algerian heritage, accusing her of defending "thugs” and being biased due to her background. “They are your brothers," the messenger stated.
In the heated exchange between the journalist and the politician, Maréchal downplayed the threat of far-right violence in France. When questioned by Brakhlia about the actions of far-right groups, particularly in the context of a recent violent incident in Romans-sur-Isère, Maréchal refused to acknowledge the responsibility of "extreme right-wing groups." She staunchly denied the existence of ultra-right violence in the country.
Brakhlia contested this claim, and research by HuffPost.fr contradicted Maréchal's stance, citing three murders in Paris in 2022 alone attributed to those with ties to the ultra-right. This point of contention with Maréchal, triggered the racist insult that sought to discredit Brakhlia’s position as a journalist.
Maréchal is a far-right French politician and the niece of Marine Le Pen, the current leader of the National Rally. She was a former member of parliament before taking a hiatus in 2017 and is well-known for her anti-immigration and Eurosceptic views. Maréchal is set to run in the 2024 European Parliament elections as leader of failed presidential candidate Eric Zemmour's far-right party, Reconquête.
Brakhlia is not the only French woman journalist facing consequences for challenging political narratives. On December 3, Jewish columnist Ruth Elkrief was given police protection after far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon derided her interview of a fellow party member. The journalists received a slew of threats after Mélenchon labeled her a “manipulator.”
The racist messages directed at Brakhlia and the threats faced by Elkrief are deeply troubling and show the challenges faced by journalists who seek to question and hold public figures accountable. The extremist reactions from both far-right and far-left online trolls underscore the need to protect journalists and ensure freedom of expression without fear of reprisal. The press must be allowed to question political figures on all sides of the spectrum without being subjected to vile hate or threats.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the attack on Salhia Brakhlia for holding Maréchal to account. We demand a prompt and thorough investigation into the racist message sent to Brakhlia. The individuals responsible must be held accountable for their actions. We urge politicians and public figures to refrain from rhetoric that incites or endorses such extremist behavior. Their words have immense power and can either contribute to a climate of fear and hostility or foster a respectful and safe environment for debate and discussion. We further call on French authorities to take stronger measures to protect journalists, especially women who are disproportionately affected by such attacks. The current climate, where journalists face threats for simply doing their jobs, is unacceptable. It is imperative to safeguard the freedom and safety of journalists, promoting an environment where diverse perspectives can be expressed without fear of reprisal.
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.