The EBU has joined France Télévisions 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 yesterday as the news was announced. On hearing that Hervé Ghesquiere and Stéphane Taponier had been liberated, the Board Members congratulated EBU Member France Télévisions, which had worked hard for the men's freedom.
France Télévisions director of international relations, Jean Réveillon, said Hervé Ghesquiere and Stéphane Taponier were in good health, despite their ordeal.
He added: "When Hervé and Stéphane were kidnapped it prompted outrage across the French media. There can be no doubt that the tireless efforts by France Télévisions and Hervé and Stéphane's colleagues helped to achieve this fantastic result."
EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot paid tribute to the campaign mounted by France Télévisions, 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."
(Source : European Broadcasting Union)
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