France condemns attacks on media freedom in Belarus

May 4, BPN. France condemns severe restrictions on press freedom in many countries of the world, including Russia and Belarus, says a statement by the French foreign ministry issued on World Press Freedom Day, May 3.

Paris stressed the need to defend and promote a free, independent and pluralistic press to provide free, fair and quality information.

France also reaffirmed “its staunch and unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and protection of journalists worldwide.”

A total of 568 journalists are jailed worldwide, the ministry said citing a recent report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Of these, 33 journalists are behind bars in Belarus.

Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has established an award honoring the journalistic courage of reporters working in war zones and crisis areas, the statement noted.

France continues its efforts to rally the international community “to create a global space for free, democratic and reliable information,” the statement stressed. The country participates in the International Partnership for Information and Democracy initiative by the RSF along with 50 other countries, it added.

France also contributes to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), established in November 2022 at the Paris Peace Forum and focusing on Eastern Europe among other regions, the statement noted.