New Caledonia: Women Press Freedom Condemns Violence and Threats Targeting Journalists Amid Riots
Media threatened, harassed, and attacked during violent demonstrations claiming the lives of nine people
Location: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Date: May 17, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering support of Coralie Cochin and Charlotte Mannevy, who have shown exceptional courage in reporting on the recent riots in New Caledonia. Despite escalating violence, these journalists have risked their safety to keep the public informed. The unrest in New Caledonia, triggered by changes to French voting laws that many fear will marginalize the indigenous Kanak community, has resulted in casualties and widespread damage. Journalists covering the events have faced significant threats and harassment, further complicating their efforts to report accurately. Women Press Freedom condemns the violence targeting journalists who are fulfilling their professional duties. We call on authorities to address the rising violence against the media, ensure their safety, and hold perpetrators accountable.
“Every morning, it was a shock. As a journalist, of course I’m passionate about this moment. But at the same time, I’m terrified.” says Coralie Cochin about covering the riots that broke out in the French territory of New Caledonia last month. The risks confined Cochin to her suburban neighborhood in Nouméa for a week, patrolling nearby streets to monitor developments. She shared her fear for her life amid calls on social media to set fire to her broadcaster's offices.
“It was the first time I was really afraid for my life,” Cochin says in response to calls on social media for the broadcaster's offices to be set on fire. A group of men harassed a crew from her channel on May 17, 2024, taking their TV camera, breaking the journalists' car windows, and attempting to steal the vehicle.
Nine people have been killed, and numerous structures have been set ablaze since mid-May, marking the most severe unrest in New Caledonia in over forty years. The turmoil stems from recent changes to French voting laws, which critics warn could further marginalize the indigenous Kanak community.
French President Emmanuel Macron suspended the legislation on June 12, 2024, following a series of independence referendums pledged after the conflicts in the 1980s. Despite the final vote in 2021, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, confirming the territory's continued association with France, a significant number of Kanaks chose to boycott the ballot.
Audrey Poedi, a local reporter, highlighted the challenges of reporting in New Caledonia, often referred to as the "land of the unspoken" due to taboo topics and self-censorship. The recent surge in violence and intimidation has heightened fears among journalists, who face hostility while carrying out their duties.
Women Press Freedom expresses steadfast support for the journalists reporting on the unrest in New Caledonia. We are committed to vigilantly monitoring the situation and documenting any infringements against women journalists in the region. We commend their resilience and unwavering commitment in the face of persistent threats and risks. We strongly denounce any acts of aggression against the media who are simply carrying out their journalistic responsibilities. We urge authorities to take action to ensure the safety of journalists covering these events.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
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.
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