The two journalists of the site of investigation Disclose having investigated the use of French arms in Yemen denounced Tuesday the "procedural framework" of their hearing by the French services of intelligence and regretted an "attempt of intimidation".
Geoffrey Livolsi and Mathias Destal, journalists and co-founders of Disclose, were interviewed Tuesday "individually and under the free hearing by the Directorate General of Internal Intelligence" (DGSI), following the publication mid-April An investigation entitled "Made in France", which includes documents "confidential defense" relating to French weapons used by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, they detail in a statement.
Investigation conducted by the "terrorist section" of the prosecution
"The ISB investigators notified Mathias Destal and Geoffrey Livolsi that they were not heard as journalists, and during their interrogations they learned that the preliminary inquiry opened last December was being conducted under the authority of the "terrorism section and undermining national security" of the prosecutor of Paris.A procedural framework that we strongly denounce, "they continue. "Before exercising their right to silence", the journalists "stated that they had acted in the exercise of their mission of information of the public, thus contributing to a debate of general interest major on the exports of arms ".
According to them, this procedure deprives them "guarantees provided by the law of 29 July 1881 on the freedom of the press" and "the absence of any reference in the convocation of the DGSI to the publication of the article and the quality journalist, shows a willingness to exert personal pressure. "
Seven pages of questions
"This desire was reaffirmed during the hearing, by the formulation of seven pages of questions, which were only intended (only) to violate the fundamental and protective provisions of the press law on the secrecy of sources , cornerstone of the freedom of the press ", deplore the journalists. They also say that they were questioned about personal publications on social media, seeing it as an "attempt to intimidate".
"These maneuvers will not prevent us from continuing our legitimate work," say the journalists in their statement, stressing that "the public must be able to debate freely and serenely questions about the possible involvement of France in a war that has claimed many lives civilian ".
France "extremely determined" to respect the treaties. France is "extremely demanding" and "extremely determined" to respect international law on arms exports to countries engaged in the war in Yemen, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, assured Tuesday the Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. France is respecting its international commitments These are not theoretical commitments We were very clear with the authorities of the countries concerned that we were particularly attentive to the conditions of use of the equipment (...) of which we authorize the assignment, "said the head of government, questioned on the subject in the Assembly.