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Global Security Law: Europe reminds France that the press must be able to work "freely"

2020-11-23T18:52:37.843Z


The European Commission also says that it reserves “the right to examine the final legislation in order to verify its compliance with the law.


In the sights of the EU?

While the deputies voted on Friday the controversial text of law penalizing the malicious distribution of images of the police, the European Commission recalled Monday that journalists must be able to "do their work freely and in complete safety".

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"The Commission refrains from commenting on bills, but it goes without saying that in times of crisis it is more important than ever that journalists can do their work freely and safely," he told the AFP a spokesperson for the European executive, Christian Wigand.

“As always, the Commission reserves the right to review the final legislation in order to verify its compliance with EU law,” he added.

"We are monitoring the situation closely"

Currently under discussion in Parliament, the comprehensive security bill, and in particular its article 24 voted on Friday, which intends to penalize the malicious dissemination of photographs of police officers during demonstrations, raises the indignation of journalists' organizations and defenders of public freedoms.

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Denounced as an attack on "freedom of expression" and "the rule of law", it sparked demonstrations on Saturday which gathered several thousand people in France.

"We are monitoring the situation closely," said the spokesperson for the Commission, which, as guardian of the treaties, ensures that European law is respected and applied.

“Ensuring the safety of all who live in Europe is a key priority for the Commission and we are working hand in hand with the Member States,” he underlined.

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"When drafting their security legislation, Member States must respect the principle of proportionality and strike the right balance between ensuring public security and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, including the liberty of expression, media freedom, freedom of association, the right to respect for private life and access to information, ”the spokesperson recalled.

Source: leparis

All news articles on 2020-11-23

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