Paris: French Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Pascal Confavreux, stated in a post on X that, on World Press Freedom Day, France condemns attacks and acts of violence against journalists and media workers.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Confavreux paid tribute to the fallen martyrs this year, whose numbers have significantly increased, while carrying out their duties worldwide, including in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan. He also honored French photojournalist Anthony Lalequin, who was killed on October 3rd in a Russian drone strike, accusing Russia of targeting media freedom.
He added: "During the UN General Assembly's high-level week in September 2025, France, along with 21 other countries, called for protection guarantees for journalists and media workers in Gaza, in accordance with international humanitarian law, urging Israeli authorities to allow independent foreign media access."
Confavreux also noted that in southern Lebanon, four journalists have been killed since March during Israeli army shelling, stressing that deliberately targeting journalists constitutes a war crime. "France supports the Lebanese authorities in their efforts to uncover the full truth behind these tragedies and ensure justice is served," he underlined.
Confavreux's statement continued: "France is mobilizing the international community to support a free and independent media space," highlighting the "Partnership for Information and Democracy" launched in cooperation with "Reporters Without Borders," which is backed by around 57 countries.
"Thirty-four countries committed during the Paris Peace Forum to multilateral action to ensure the safety of information and the freedom of the media," the statement indicated, adding, "France also renewed its support for the International Media Fund," and "France supports the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI), an accreditation program that encourages media organizations that adhere to ethical and independence standards."
In conclusion, Confavreux considered that amid growing restrictions on freedom of expression and press freedom in many parts of the world, along with the spread of misinformation and increasing manipulation of information, the right to access and receive information remains fundamental to the functioning of democracy. "France reaffirms that freedom of access to and receipt of information is essential for the practice of democracy. The release of journalists and media professionals arbitrarily detained is of paramount importance," the French Foreign spokesperson asserted, revealing that "France continues to work with the Algerian authorities to ensure the release of Christophe Gleizes and his return to France."