AFP CALLS FOR ITS JOURNALISTS' SAFETY

PARIS, NOVEMBER 6 /SRNA/ – Agence France-Presse /AFP/ today demanded protection for its journalists covering demonstrations in France, after several incidents of police brutality against its reporters.

"AFP's management condemns the violence committed by members of the security forces against journalists during the demonstrations. We are aware of the difficult conditions in which security officers sometimes work, but we believe it is essential that the status of journalists be respected during police operations," AFP said in a statement.

Yesterday in Lyon, an AFP photographer wearing a press armband was injured when police charged the front lines of protesters. He was struck five times with a baton, three times on his helmet and twice on his leg, breaking his shinbone.

In mid-October, a journalist in Lille was hit in the thigh by a rubber bullet despite wearing a clearly visible armband.

On the same day, an AFP cameraman was targeted by a water cannon while standing with colleagues from other media outlets.

Reporters Without Borders said it had recorded 58 cases of journalists being obstructed while covering the protests.

"Journalists' ability to observe, photograph and film demonstrations is essential to their role in reporting the news. This must be guaranteed, including when the situation on the ground is tense. All measures must be taken to protect journalists' physical safety and enable them to do their jobs," the AFP statement added.