France: CFWIJ Alarmed Following AFP’s Team Attack By Anti-Vax Protesters

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January 18, 2022, Paris – 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.

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.

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.