“It’s a huge relief, but it’s not the end of the battle”: journalist Ariane Lavrilleux escapes prosecution from anti-terrorism judge

Victorious and reassured. After her appearance before an anti-terrorism investigating judge, journalist Ariane Lavrilleux escaped prosecution and a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros. “It’s a huge relief, but it’s not the end of the battle”she declared in front of the Paris court.

It was following her investigation into the involvement of French intelligence in the arbitrary execution of Egyptian civilians by the Al Sissi regime that she was questioned by the courts in October 2023. With the aim of tracking down the sources from the investigative newspaper, her apartment was searched and she was the subject of extensive surveillance by the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI).

The sword of Damocles finally disappeared

Before he left the court, a crowd of support had gathered at 9 a.m. An inter-union made up of national journalism unions, associations, international unions like the International Federation of Journalists, with the presence of its president Maja Sever, but also parliamentarians like Aurélien Saintoul, France Insoumise deputy and secretary of the Defense committee. National and Armed Forces.

In a letter addressed to parliamentarians, the CGT and the CFDT defend a fight far from corporatism. At the heart of the problem: a law dating from January 4, 2010, the Dati law. It modifies the law of July 29, 1881 on freedom of the press. Particularly on the “protection of sources” aspect, with the exception of defense secrecy.

It is by the principle of “the overriding imperative of public interest” that the state can launch investigations into the sources of journalists. Without control by an investigating judge or possible avenue of appeal, except on the inclusion of elements in the file.

A pressing need for reform

“Not only do we hope for a reform, but there must be a reform of the Dati law” says Pablo Aiquel, national secretary of the SNJ-CGT. He insists on the necessary change in French legislation in order to comply with European canons. According to the European regulation on media freedom, which came into force in May 2024, it will be prohibited to force journalists and editors-in-chief to reveal their sources, except subject to the authorization of a judicial authority and for a “ compelling reason of general interest”.

“We have several ways to prevent big-eared intelligence services from identifying our sources”says Mathias Destal, editor-in-chief of Disclose. In this European regulation, it will also be prohibited to use spyware and surveillance tools against the media, journalists and their families. These measures must be implemented by French legislation before August 2025.