Interviewed live on BFMTV this Tuesday, LFI MEP Rima Hassan immediately pointed out the fact that the channel had been congratulated the day before by a spokesperson for the Israeli army. After two minutes of debate, the interview was finally cut off, the journalist telling her that she had not been invited to attack BFMTV.
MEP Rima Hassan was, on October 8, interviewed live and in duplex on BFMTV to react to the whistles thrown during the commemorations of the terrorist attack of October 7, during Michel Barnier’s speech, directed at the President of the Republic who called for an end to arms deliveries to Israel. The opportunity for the Franco-Syrian activist to make a comment on the “editorial line” of the channel.
“We did not invite you to attack BFMTV”
“I will allow myself a very short digression, and then I will answer your question. I simply want to denounce the fact that you were congratulated by Olivier Rafowicz, who is a spokesperson for the Israeli army, a genocidal army, […] and it is very, very important for me to denounce this,” launched Rima Hassan in the preamble, stressing that this “says a lot about the editorial line” on the subject. “I hope that you still realize that sooner or later you will have to be held accountable as a media,” she added, before being interrupted by Alain Marshall and Olivier Truchot.
Not letting Rima Hassan answer the question initially asked, the two journalists from the show immediately reacted to these criticisms. “You cannot start by attacking us, we politely invite you to answer questions, and you question the editorial line of BFMTV,” said Olivier Truchot. And Rima Hassan tells him: “I answer you politely, I am free with my words. » “I am also free to say that what you have just said is unacceptable,” the presenter immediately decided.
Questioning the MEP on what she means by the “accounts” that BFMTV would have to render, she continued: “The media are supposed to inform in a neutral way. When you have a party to the conflict who congratulates you. It’s like having Hamas tomorrow congratulating you, it’s very problematic, admit it. » To which Olivier Truchot retorted: “We didn’t invite you to attack BFMTV”, then cutting the interview short.
The debate continues on social networks
However, the debate continued off-air, via social networks. On X, Rima Hassan notably deplored having been “immediately” cut off by BFMTV journalists during the interview. “And I am censored in the legitimate criticism that I make. So I couldn’t comment on the rest,” she wrote again. To which Olivier Truchot responded: “You are talking nonsense about the editorial line of our channel. But whatever the truth, the goal was to get your little moment of buzz. »
The president of the LFI deputies Mathilde Panot, for her part, wanted to congratulate “the brilliant Rima Hassan” who denounced “with talent and firmness this shameful support” from Olivier Rafowicz. “The journalists panic” and “abruptly end the interview,” she added, emphasizing: “It would almost be funny if there weren’t tens of thousands of deaths.” » The words of the leader of the Insoumis have once again brought Olivier Truchot to the forefront. “Your friend, MEP, threatens journalists live. Is this your idea of freedom of information? » asked the BFMTV journalist.
“In the country which experienced the Charlie Hebdo massacre, Rima Hassan clearly threatens journalists,” MEP Jordan Bardella mentioned on social networks, adding: “The far left has elected a real spokesperson. Hamas’s words in the European Parliament: she shares its murderous ideology and intimidation practices. »
BFMTV makes an update
Finally, after all these heated exchanges, this Tuesday, October 8, the management of BFMTV published an update indicating: “BFMTV would like to recall the rigorous, impartial and balanced work of its editorial staff, as evidenced by the deployment on the ground of seven teams in Israel and Lebanon, and the broadcast on Friday and Sunday evening of an exceptional document produced by BFMTV thanks to Palestinian journalists in Gaza. »
The press release then specified that this document was “challenged live on Sunday evening by the spokesperson for the Israeli army during this interview to which Rima Hassan referred”. In conclusion, the channel suggests watching this interview “in full”, and “rewatching the major October 7 report: the response at all costs from our Red Line teams”.
How can you help us stay informed?
Epoch Times is a free and independent media outlet, receiving no public support and not belonging to any political party or financial group. Since our creation, we have faced unfair attacks to silence our information, particularly on human rights issues in China. This is why we are counting on your support to defend our independent journalism and to continue, thanks to you, to make the truth known.
