France: CFWIJ is alarmed by the violent attack on France 3 TV’s news reporter

Photo Credit: AFP

March 30, 2021- A France 3 reporter was assaulted in a violent attack in Les Vans. The journalist was in the market covering a rally happening in violation of Covid-19 measures on March 27. The journalist was about to interview someone when a man began to yell at the news team.  The man then hit the camera, injuring the nose and chin of the photojournalist. The alleged attacker then tried to dodge law enforcement by changing his clothes but was eventually arrested. CFWIJ condemns the violent attack on the France 3 TV team and offers our support. We believe no journalist should be attacked in the field, and such assaults must be investigated by law enforcement.

The rally at Les Vans was held in violation of Covid-19 guidelines. The France 3 TV team was there to interview people when they were suddenly attacked. An unidentified man punched the camera of the photojournalist,  resulting in injuries to her nose and chin. The attack left the injured reporter in a state of shock. The channel’s regional management condemned the attack and called it unbearable for a journalist fulfilling her journalistic duties. The network went on to say they would fully support their staff and file a complaint to report the incident.

Francois Desnoyers, director of the regional network of France 3 TV, tweeted to condemn the incident. He shared, “The France 3 Network management... condemns the latest serious attack on the freedom to inform.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attack on France 3 TV reporter. We hope law enforcement will take necessary measures in the future to ensure such rallies are safe for the press to cover and report. We stand in solidarity with the photographer and commend her commitment to journalism.