The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) joined France Televisions on 29 June in celebrating the release of two French TV journalists and their interpreter who had been held hostage in Afghanistan for 547 days.
An EBU Executive Board meeting in Helsinki was unexpectedly interrupted as the news was announced. On hearing that Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier had been liberated, the Board Members congratulated EBU Member France Televisions, which has worked hard for the men’s freedom.
France Televisions director of international relations, Jean Reveillon, said Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier were in good health, despite their ordeal.
He added: “When Herve and Stephane were kidnapped it prompted outrage across the French media. There can be no doubt that the tireless efforts by Frances Televisions and Herve and Stephane’s colleagues helped to achieve this fantastic result.”
EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot paid tribute to the campaign by EBU Member France Televisions, but said that while today was a day for celebration, it was also a stark reminder of the dangers that journalists face daily.
He said: “Many media professionals are killed, injured and detained in the line of duty every year. Sadly, journalists remain a target because of the nature of their work. The EBU continues to urge governments to fulfil their duty to protect the media and prevent them from becoming a victim of their own profession.”
