Daily Reports
Surge in Racist Attacks Against Journalists in France
Journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, known for his work on France 5's 'C à Vous,' has been subjected to a barrage of racist messages on his Instagram account since June 9. Bouhafsi has shared screenshots of these hateful messages, which include derogatory comments such as 'Go home' accompanied by boat emojis and 'dirty Arab.' The attacks have intensified following the European elections, where the National Rally (RN) secured 31.4% of the vote.
Bouhafsi, who covered the 2022 presidential elections without facing such hostility, expressed his dismay on the show 'C à Vous.' He revealed that the frequency of these racist messages has increased dramatically, from one message per month to four or five per day. The journalist emphasized that these attacks not only affect him but also his family, particularly his mother and sister.
Bouhafsi called for an end to being 'essentialized based on' his first name or 'alleged origin or alleged religion.' He stated, 'If someone said to me 'Mohamed, your subjects are rubbish,' that wouldn't bother me. But people should stop bringing me back to this Rebeu, Muslim, Arab side. I am a Frenchman, a journalist, a citizen, that's everything and nothing else.'
Other Journalists Also Targeted
Bouhafsi is not alone in facing such racist attacks. Fellow journalist Karim Rissouli, also from France 5, revealed that he received a letter filled with racist insults at his home. The letter criticized him for not understanding the June 9 vote, claiming that the vote was driven by 'historic French people who are fed up with all these idiots.'
Additionally, Nassira El Moaddem, a journalist for Arrêt sur images, reported receiving a similar letter. The handwriting in her letter closely resembled that of the one sent to Rissouli. The letter suggested that she should 'shut up, or go abroad,' asserting that 'it was the French people who paid for it.'
- Bouhafsi's experience has sparked a broader conversation about the rise of racist sentiments in France, particularly in the wake of political events like the European elections. The National Rally's significant vote share appears to have emboldened some individuals to express their xenophobic views more openly.
- The rise in racist attacks against journalists is alarming and highlights the need for a more inclusive and tolerant society. Public figures like Bouhafsi, Rissouli, and El Moaddem are using their platforms to bring attention to this issue, hoping to foster a dialogue that can lead to meaningful change.
- The support from colleagues and the wider community has been crucial in helping these journalists cope with the hate they receive. Bouhafsi, for instance, shared messages of solidarity from his colleagues, including host Pierre-Antoine Damecour, which have provided some comfort amidst the onslaught of negativity.
- The French media landscape is currently grappling with how to address and mitigate these racist attacks. There is an urgent need for social media platforms to implement stricter measures to prevent the spread of hate speech and protect individuals from such targeted harassment.
