France
Journalist pressured to reveal sourcesPosted Dec 17 2008
Joseph Tual of France 3 television has been asked by a judge to reveal sources used in a report about new developments in the investigation into the 1965 disappearance of Moroccan opposition politician Medhi Ben Barka in Paris.
“It is outrageous that prosecutors are pressuring a journalist to name his sources for a report of a very political nature,” said Reporters Without Borders.
Retired senior Moroccan official Miloud Tounsi, who is suspected of organizing Ben Barka’s abduction, issued a complaint regarding Tual’s France 3 broadcast Oct. 22, 2007, the day French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived on a visit to Morocco. In response to the complaint, Tual was summoned to court Nov. 20.
According to Tual’s report, French investigating judge Patrick Ramaël had issued five international warrants for the arrest of senior Moroccan officials in connection with Ben Barka’s disappearance.
“The right to confidentiality of sources allows Tual, like any other journalist, to remain silent,” said RSF. When asked in his court appearance to reveal his sources, Tual refused.