World · Europe · 46 mins ago
French journalists’ unions file complaint over police conduct at protests
Four French journalists’ unions filed a complaint against unidentified people over incidents during recent protests.
The unions acted after seven journalists complained to prosecutors in Paris about alleged violence and obstruction by law enforcement while they were working.
Reporters have also said they faced insults, threats, physical violence and obstacles to filming or covering events.
The unions say these incidents are becoming more frequent, not isolated cases.
They argue that journalists must be able to document protests and police operations so the public can stay informed.
Media representatives met the interior minister and handed him an open letter, asking authorities to respect the right to report at demonstrations.
Four French journalists’ unions said they had filed a complaint against unidentified persons over alleged police violence and obstruction of reporters covering protests.
The complaint followed a case brought by seven journalists before the Paris prosecutor.
The unions said journalists had faced insults, threats, physical violence and obstacles to filming or reporting.
Media representatives also met France’s interior minister and delivered an open letter calling for the right to inform to be respected.
- Who
- The SNJ, SNJ-CGT, CFDT-Journalistes and SGJ-FO unions filed the complaint. Seven journalists had separately complained to the Paris prosecutor.
- What
- The unions filed a complaint against unidentified persons over alleged violence and obstruction by law enforcement during protests.
- When
- The unions announced the complaint on 11 November 2026.
- Where
- During demonstrations across France; the seven journalists filed their complaint with the Paris prosecutor.
- Why
- The unions said journalists faced violence and obstacles while reporting, and called for a firm judicial response and respect for press freedom.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Journalists reported alleged violence and obstruction while covering demonstrations during an ongoing social mobilisation in France.
Seven journalists filed a complaint with the Paris prosecutor.
Four journalists’ unions announced that they had filed a complaint against unidentified persons.
Media representatives met the interior minister and delivered an open letter calling for the right to inform to be respected.
- Unions
- SNJ, SNJ-CGT, CFDT-Journalistes and SGJ-FO
- Earlier complaint
- Seven journalists filed with the Paris prosecutor
- Alleged conduct
- Insults, threats, physical violence and obstacles to filming or reporting
- Complaint announced
- 11 November 2026
- Meeting
- Media representatives met the interior minister
4 sources
Les journalistes français demandent le respect du droit d’informer lors des manifestations
Quatre organisations syndicales de journalistes déposent plainte contre X après plusieurs entraves par des forces de l'ordre lors de manifestations
What people are saying
The work of journalists is more than ever indispensable to document events, report the demands expressed, but also bear witness to the conduct of law enforcement operations and enable citizens to be fully informed.
Journalists are regularly subjected to insults, threats, physical violence and obstacles to taking images or covering events.
These cases are multiplying, can no longer be considered simple isolated incidents, and call for a firm judicial response commensurate with their gravity.