France: Violent expulsion of journalist from public event is unacceptable, says OSCE Representative

VIENNA, 3 February 2017 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed her concern at the case of TMC journalist Paul Larrouturou who was violently thrown out of a public event on 1 February when he tried to pose a question to Front National presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen.

“Any violence, harassment or intimidation of journalists is unacceptable in a democratic society,” said the Representative. “I call on the French authorities to conduct an effective investigation of the incident as soon as possible and to hold accountable those responsible”, continued Mijatovic. “I also call on political leaders to clearly condemn such violations of press freedom”, she added.  

The Representative called on all political parties in France to ensure that media freedom is fully respected in the run-up to the presidential elections, including ensuring journalists’ access to press conferences of political figures.

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.