OSCE Representative raises concern over attack of Buzzfeed journalist and threats to storm AFP offices in France, welcomes swift police action

VIENNA, 24 October 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about a recent attack against a journalist with Buzzfeed and threats to storm the offices of Agence France Presse (AFP) during a demonstration in Paris. 

“When journalists are attacked and threatened, it constitutes a serious violation of media freedom,” Mijatović said. “Journalists must always be able to do their job in a free and safe manner.”

On 22 October, David Perrotin, journalist with the web portal Buzzfeed, was attacked by protesters while covering a demonstration outside the AFP offices in Paris. 

At the rally, Perrotin was identified as a journalist and subsequently assaulted by a group of protesters. Police acted quickly and prevented further attacks against the journalist. Perrotin sustained minor injuries in the attack. There were also threats by a mob to storm the AFP offices, reportedly due to AFP's editorial position on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. 

“I welcome the swift response by law enforcement officers at the scene in preventing further attacks,” Mijatović said. “I trust that the authorities will do their utmost to bring the perpetrators of this attack to justice.” 

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.