# Menaces, violences, intimidations : la liberté d’informer malmenée, dénoncent des sociétés de journalistes - **Source:** [Le Monde – Politique](https://www.lemonde.fr/politique) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4541d048-2e19-40ee-8ea5-7c900677d603 ## Journalists Face Rising Hostility Journalists covering social unrest in France report increasing physical violence, intimidation, and threats from both law enforcement and political actors. Despite wearing identifiable press gear like armbands and professional equipment, reporters are frequently targeted during demonstrations. This systemic pressure challenges the fundamental democratic role of the press to document public events. ## Legislative Protection Efforts On October 19, the French Senate adopted an amendment to the 'casseurs-payeurs' bill to protect journalists. The text explicitly states that individuals remaining in a crowd for legitimate reasons, such as reporting, cannot be held liable. This legislative move highlights a growing disconnect between parliamentary intent and the reality on the ground. ## Executive Branch Inaction While the Senate and the European Court of Human Rights emphasize the necessity of protecting press freedom, the executive branch remains notably silent. There is no official condemnation from the Ministry of the Interior regarding recent police brutality against reporters. This lack of response raises questions about the government's commitment to journalistic safety. ## Political Rhetoric Escalates Risks Political parties across the spectrum are increasingly using hostile language against the media. The Rassemblement National suggested Mediapart journalists wear Kevlar vests, while La France Insoumise frequently attacks a perceived 'media bourgeoisie.' Such rhetoric creates an environment where journalists are viewed as targets rather than observers of the political process. ## Targeted Harassment of Reporters Journalists are not only facing physical threats but also legal and administrative harassment. Those investigating sensitive topics like national defense or terrorism are frequently subjected to criminal complaints or police pressure. This systematic intimidation aims to discourage investigative work and creates a chilling effect on the reporting of critical state matters. ## Erosion of Democratic Norms The current political climate in France shows a shift where media criticism has crossed the line into aggressive intimidation. When political leaders label journalists as agents of rival camps, they undermine the public's trust in independent information. This trend threatens the essential function of the press as a neutral observer. ## Institutional Accountability Gap The disparity between legal protections and daily practice is widening. While the legislature attempts to codify the right to inform, the executive branch's failure to enforce these protections leaves journalists vulnerable. Without clear directives from the government to security forces, legislative amendments risk remaining symbolic rather than practical safeguards for reporters. ## Implications for Press Freedom The convergence of police violence and political hostility creates a dangerous environment for the future of journalism. Protecting the right to inform is not merely a professional concern but a requirement for a functioning democracy. The ongoing erosion of these protections signals a critical need for structural reform and political accountability. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2026/11/12/menaces-violences-intimidations-la-liberte-d-informer-malmenee-denoncent-des-societes-de-journalistes_6809155_823448.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._