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February 18, 2025 – France/Syria –
The French judiciary has expanded its investigation into the 2012 deaths of journalist Marie Colvin and photographer Rémi Ochlik in Syria, now considering the incident as a potential crime against humanity. This move follows new evidence suggesting a coordinated attack targeting civilians, including journalists and human rights defenders, as part of a systematic campaign.
Marie Colvin, a renowned American war correspondent for The Sunday Times, and French photographer Rémi Ochlik were killed on February 22, 2012, during a shelling of the Baba Amr Media Center in Homs, Syria. The attack has been previously linked to Syrian government forces. A U.S. court had earlier ruled that the Syrian military and intelligence services had deliberately targeted the media center after tracking journalists’ broadcasts.
French prosecutors have invoked universal jurisdiction, allowing them to pursue the case regardless of the perpetrators’ nationalities or the location of the crime. The investigation now encompasses alleged persecution and other inhumane acts against journalists and civilians, including Edith Bouvier and Paul Conroy, who were also present during the attack and sustained injuries.
Legal representatives for the victims’ families have welcomed the broadened inquiry. Clemence Bectarte, representing Ochlik’s family, expressed hope that French judges would issue arrest warrants for high-ranking Syrian officials implicated in the attack. Edith Bouvier’s lawyer, Matthieu Bagard, noted that this development could set a precedent for recognizing attacks on journalists in conflict zones as crimes against humanity.
The French investigation is part of broader international efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable. In 2024, a Paris court sentenced three senior Syrian officials to life imprisonment for their roles in crimes against humanity and war crimes, marking a significant step in seeking justice for victims of the Syrian conflict.
This case underscores the challenges journalists face in conflict zones and highlights the importance of international legal mechanisms in addressing violations against the press. The ongoing investigation serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and the protection of journalists worldwide.
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