Louise Bernard
The Nanterre court on Wednesday condemned the State for an attempted search carried out in 2019 at the premises of “Mediapart” in the context of the Benalla affair which, according to its judgment consulted by AFP, undermined the freedom of expression and secrecy of sources.
The Nanterre court ruled on Wednesday that the attempted search of Mediapart’s premises was “neither necessary in a democratic society nor proportionate to the objective pursued”. The case dates back to the beginning of 2019. Mediapart has just published an article on the “Macron-Benalla” affair, with in particular damning recordings (which reveal that Alexandre Benalla breached his judicial control).
A search not authorized by the judge of freedoms and detention
A few days later, Mediapart saw two prosecutors and three police officers arrive at the editorial office. The two journalists present on the spot then opposed the search, since it had not been authorized by a judge of freedoms and detention.
A symbolic euro for Mediapart
Mediapart has therefore chosen to take the State to court and has just won… a symbolic euro. 10,000 euros for legal costs will have to be paid. The most important thing for Mediapart is the symbol of this victory. The newspaper writes that the judgment “consecrates the freedom to inform and the protection of sources”. And that he “recalls the vital necessity, in a democracy, of an independent justice and a free press”.