39 French media outlets condemn Marine Le Pen’s remarks about Médiapart — France 24

The editorial boards of 39 French media outlets, including France 24 and RFI, published a joint statement on October 2 condemning remarks by Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, directed at the investigative outlet Médiapart. As France 24 reports, the authors of the appeal described the remarks as violent attempts at intimidation and particularly alarming for citizens’ right to information in a democratic country.

Joint media statement

Journalists from outlets with differing editorial policies said they condemn death threats against Médiapart staff, which they link to the National Rally, as well as far-right attacks on journalists in France. The statement stressed that press freedom, guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and international law, is an essential tool for holding those in power accountable.

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Le Pen’s remarks

On Tuesday, Marine Le Pen said that Médiapart would have to put on a bulletproof vest to withstand the party’s reaction. This came after the outlet published a report on alleged antisemitic comments by National Rally president Jordan Bardella.

The statement’s authors believe that Le Pen’s hint at the need for Kevlar protection makes journalists targets. They also noted that journalists must investigate based on evidence, report facts and analyze events without intimidation, regardless of a media outlet’s editorial position.