Euronews’ crew assaulted by masked individuals while covering protests in Paris
Euronews crew assaulted by masked individuals during Paris protests
Poinews.com – An Euronews crew assaulted by masked individuals was reporting near Place de la République in Paris on Saturday as major demonstrations involving Yellow Vests supporters and student groups unfolded.
The team had moved away from the main protest area when they reached Boulevard de Magenta, close to Place de la République. There, they saw masked people looting the Intermarché Express supermarket at 14 Place Jacques Bonsergent and began filming.
“We were standing on Boulevard de Magenta, not far from a supermarket that was being looted by young people, young adults, teenagers. When they saw we were filming, they started hitting my cameraman and attempted to take his microphone and they encircled us,” said Estelle Nilsson-Julien, Euronews’ correspondent in Paris.
Camera taken and footage lost
Several people confronted the journalists, forcing the cameraman against a wall and striking him. Nilsson-Julien said she was also hit during the encounter. Although the cameraman was punched in the face, his goggles and mask helped prevent injury.
“They then pushed him against the wall and started hitting and punching him. They also hit me. They punched him in the face, but because he was wearing goggles and a mask, he was not harmed,” Nilsson-Julien said.
The Euronews crew assaulted by masked individuals lost its camera during the scuffle. Young people who witnessed the incident later returned it, but the SD card had been removed, meaning the footage recorded near the looted supermarket was lost.
Peaceful protests followed by disorder
Earlier demonstrations around Place de la République had involved Yellow Vests supporters and student groups. Later, the atmosphere in nearby streets deteriorated, with fires, police sirens and looting reported in the area.
“It is to be honest anarchy in the streets. There are many young people who seem like they are ready for a fight and looting going on. So, the calm protests of earlier today, at least in this area, are completely over,” Nilsson-Julien said.
Large demonstrations can bring together people with very different intentions. While many participants may be exercising their right to protest peacefully, violence and opportunistic theft can create immediate dangers for residents, emergency workers, demonstrators and journalists.
Place de la République is a longstanding location for rallies and political demonstrations in Paris. When crowds spread into surrounding streets, conditions can change quickly, especially when smaller groups operate separately from the main gathering.
Second journalist targeted
A separate incident involved Euronews correspondent Valerie Gauriat at Place de la République. While she was interviewing a protester, a masked person reportedly struck the back of her head, used profane language and objected to the presence of the media.
Both incidents came after social-media messages called on protesters to target journalists and news organisations over accusations of misinformation about the demonstrations and associated violence.
The case of the Euronews crew assaulted by masked individuals highlights the risks journalists face when documenting unrest. Visible cameras, microphones and protective equipment can make reporters identifiable, while stolen or damaged equipment can also remove important records of events as they unfold.
FAQ: Reporting during demonstrations in Paris
What happened to the Euronews crew in Paris? The crew was confronted and attacked after filming people looting a supermarket near Boulevard de Magenta. Their camera was taken and later returned without its SD card.
Where did the incidents occur? The attack on the crew took place near Place de la République, around Boulevard de Magenta and Place Jacques Bonsergent. A separate incident involving Valerie Gauriat occurred at Place de la République.
Was the cameraman injured? He was struck and punched in the face, but Nilsson-Julien said his goggles and mask helped protect him from harm.