Al Jazeera Reporter Caught in Israeli Airstrike While Reporting from Damascus
July 16, 2025
Iraqi Kurdish Authorities Arrest, Beat Journalists Amid Growing Press Freedom Concerns
July 16, 2025
July 16, 2025 – France –
Nearly 100 prominent public figures, including writers, artists, and intellectuals, have signed an open letter calling for the immediate release of French journalist Christophe Gleizes, who they say has been unjustly detained. The letter, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), expresses deep concern over the ongoing detention of Gleizes, describing it as a violation of press freedom and an attack on journalistic independence.
Christophe Gleizes, known for his investigative reporting and commitment to uncovering difficult truths, was detained under unclear circumstances that his supporters argue lack proper legal justification. The signatories emphasise that his detention is part of a troubling pattern of repression against journalists who seek to expose corruption, human rights abuses, or politically sensitive information.
The letter appeals to the relevant authorities to respect international human rights standards, including the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. It stresses that the continued imprisonment of Gleizes sends a chilling message to journalists worldwide, potentially deterring critical reporting and undermining democratic values.
Among those who signed the letter are respected cultural figures who highlight the importance of a free press as a cornerstone of open societies. They warn that suppressing journalists through unjust detention not only harms the individuals involved but also deprives the public of vital information necessary for informed citizenship.
RSF, which advocates for the protection of journalists globally, urges immediate diplomatic and legal efforts to secure Gleizes’s release and calls for transparent investigations into the circumstances leading to his arrest. The organisation underscores that defending press freedom is essential to upholding democracy, accountability, and justice.
This collective demand for Christophe Gleizes’s freedom highlights the growing international solidarity around press freedom issues and the urgent need to protect journalists facing persecution.
References –
