Head of press freedom group Reporters Without Borders dies aged 53 | EUROtoday

Issued on: 08/06/2024 – 22:25

1 min

Deloire died on account of most cancers, Reporters Without Borders mentioned in a press release to AFP.

A former newspaper and tv reporter, he had been on the helm of the media watchdog since 2012, remodeling RSF “into a global champion for the defence of journalism,” the assertion mentioned.

“Journalism was his life’s struggle, which he waged with unshakeable conviction,” mentioned Reporters Without Borders, which is extensively identified by its French initials RSF.

In a tribute on X, previously Twitter, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned Deloire “had journalism at his heart.”

He mentioned Deloire had fought “tirelessly” for freedom of knowledge and democratic debate.

“His universal fight remains ours,” he added.

Phil Chetwynd, Global News Director of Agence France-Presse, mentioned all people at AFP was “devastated” to study of Deloire’s loss of life.

“Christophe was an indefatigable supporter of press freedom. He had immense energy and charisma, and was such a powerful advocate for our profession at a time when our work and our values are increasingly being called into question,” mentioned Chetwynd.

The activist group, launched in 1985 within the southern French city of Montpellier by 4 journalists, has develop into a thorn within the aspect of autocratic and despotic regimes around the globe which would favor to muzzle the media.

The group has had no concern of angering highly effective figures, labelling leaders comparable to Russian chief Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “predators” of press freedom.

It has repeatedly condemned press freedom restrictions in Russia since Putin launched the struggle towards Ukraine in 2022.

The group additionally launched a bundle of satellite tv for pc information channels catering to Russia, a lot of it produced by exiled Russian journalists.

(AFP)