Press must be able to work freely, warn French media outlets, after journalists assaulted at far-right rally

During the Rassemblement National congress in Orléans, journalists from Mediapart faced aggressive removal by security while covering the event. They were physically restrained and prevented from filming, prompting an apology from the RN press office. The following day, another Mediapart reporter was forcibly removed while filming an activist action, leading to concerns over journalist safety. A Politis journalist also encountered hostility, resulting in his phone being damaged. The incidents raised alarms about press freedom and the treatment of journalists at political events, emphasizing the need for access without intimidation.