Freedom of expression and freedom of the media

According to the organisations met during the mission, freedom of the media is guaranteed by law and in practice, but there are some challenges in France. Journalists and the profession in general are increasingly facing systematic discrediting (“media bashing”) by many politicians.

Some recent laws, like the French Act on combating the manipulation of information, aimed at combating the propagation of fake news and anti-cyber hate speech, could have limiting effects on media freedom.

The media representatives met during the mission expressed their deep concerns about the severe and numerous cases of police violence against journalists during the “yellow vests” demonstrations. They informed the mission about journalists being prevented from passing roadblocks, being intimidated or injured, and being detained in police custody while their material and press cards were confiscated by the police or deliberately damaged.