France has accused Russia of attacking press freedom
France stated that Russia has deliberately targeted freedom of information and highlighted the growing threats to journalists worldwide. In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also paid tribute to the French photojournalist who was killed in Ukraine by a drone strike. Officials in Paris emphasized that attacks on the media have become a global problem. This was stated in a statement by Pascal Confavre, spokesperson for the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
On World Press Freedom Day, France issued a strong statement condemning violence against journalists and media workers in various countries around the world. Paris paid particular attention to the death of French photojournalist Anthony Lallican, who was killed in Ukraine by a Russian drone strike.
The French Foreign Ministry emphasized that journalists are increasingly becoming targets in areas of armed conflict and political instability. “On this World Press Freedom Day, France condemns the attacks and violence committed against journalists and media workers. It pays tribute to the all-too-numerous victims this year who were killed while doing their jobs around the world—in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere,” the statement reads.
Separately, the French Foreign Ministry emphasized that freedom of speech and access to information are fundamental to democracy, and that restrictions on these freedoms are becoming systemic in many countries. The harshest part of the statement concerned Russia. Paris explicitly stated that the information space has become part of the war. “Russia has made freedom of information its target,” the French Foreign Ministry emphasized.
The statement also addresses the spread of disinformation, manipulation, and pressure on journalists in various regions of the world. France called for the release of all media workers who are under arrest or being held without cause.
Additionally, Paris confirmed that it will continue to support international initiatives aimed at protecting independent journalism and transparency in the information space, particularly partnership projects with organizations dedicated to press freedom.
In France, tens of thousands of people gathered for an unauthorized party right on a former military training ground. The event has raised concerns among authorities, and the Minister of the Interior is already on his way to the site. Despite the scale of the gathering, no serious incidents have been reported, but police continue to monitor the situation.
