The key facts

  • Euronews crew attacked by masked looters near the Intermarché Express supermarket in Paris
  • The camera was returned, but without the SD card — all footage was lost
  • Social media groups called on protesters to attack media outlets under the pretext of fighting 'disinformation'

Attack on the crew

On 17 October in Paris, an Euronews crew was attacked by masked looters while covering large joint protests organised by the so-called 'yellow vests' and student groups. The incident occurred as the team was heading from Place de la République, where the protests were taking place, to another location. 14 Rue Jacques Bonsergent, where the looted Intermarché Express supermarket is located, adjoins Place de la République.

Correspondent's account

Euronews correspondent in Paris Estelle Nilsson-Julien said the crew was standing on Boulevard Magenta near the supermarket, which was being looted by young people and teenagers. When they noticed the filming, they began beating the cameraman, tried to grab the microphone and surrounded the journalists. According to her, the attackers pinned the cameraman against a wall and struck him, and also hit her. The cameraman was punched in the face, but thanks to protective glasses and a mask he was not injured.

Lost footage

During the scuffle, looters stole the crew's camera. It was later returned by a group of young people who witnessed the incident, but the SD card was missing from the camera — all the footage was lost. Nilsson-Julien reported objects burning near the supermarket and loud police sirens.

Situation in the area

'Honestly, there is anarchy on the streets. Lots of young people who seem ready for a fight, looting is going on. The peaceful protests of the early morning, at least in this area, are completely over,' the correspondent noted.

Incident involving another journalist

Another Euronews correspondent, Valérie Gauriat, who was covering the protests at Place de la République, also reported a violent incident: during an interview with a protester, a passer-by struck her on the back of the head with his palm and muttered insults, condemning the presence of the media at the demonstrations.

Calls against the media on social media

The attacks took place after some groups on social media called on protesters to attack media outlets and their staff in order to prevent the 'spread of disinformation' about the protests and reports of violence.