Journalists in France are increasingly coming under "violent attacks" from political officials during the closely-fought presidential race, media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Monday.
The Paris-based group said the media was facing increasing hostility, notably from Francois Fillon and some of his backers after the conservative challenger was hit by a scandal that has badly affected his election chances.
Fillon's spokesman was not immediately available for comment, but the former prime minister previously accused the press of a carrying out a "witch-hunt" to bring him down.
"RSF strongly condemns the attacks currently suffered by journalists who must be able to exercise their profession under the best conditions, especially in an electoral period," said Pauline Ades-Mevel, head of the group's European Union office.
"This sickening and harmful climate is dangerous for press freedom even more so when it is carried out by senior political officials sending the barely veiled message that any citizen can attack the press without punishment," she said.
The group cited an incident on Feb. 9 when officials within Fillon's entourage booed journalists.
The latest animosity towards the press comes after a video earlier this month showed a reporter being grabbed by security men and forcefully hustled away after asking a question of far right National Front leader Marine Le Pen.
Reuters
Tue Feb 14 2017
Journalists surround Francois Fillon (C) during a visit to the Akuo solar energy farm in Etang-Sale as he campaigns on the French Indian Ocean island of the Reunion, February 11, 2017. REUTERS
Team Malaysia Junior and Senior Teams shine at ICU World Cup Korea
Team Malaysia celebrated remarkable achievements at the ICU World Cup in Korea, with the Junior Team clinching first place and the Senior Team earning a well-deserved second place.
What parents need to know about adolescent health and vaping
Nicotine is an incredibly addictive drug that produces feelings of pleasure and relaxation within seconds of inhaling a vape.
Desperate for cash, Gazans sell clothes plucked from rubble
Widespread shortages and months of grinding war have generated a trade in old clothing, mostly salvaged from homes of people who have died.
Chile's 'seed guardians' grow and protect forgotten food varieties
The guardians collect, trade and plant hundreds of seeds to preserve forgotten varieties of tomatoes, corn and other vegetables.
Saying 'no' to mobile phone use while driving
Mobile phones have become indispensable, yet their impact on road safety remains insufficiently examined.
How ASEAN's cybersecurity push could protect people and economies
ASEAN is stepping up to create a more secure regional cyberspace.
How lab-grown meat can feed our need for protein
Putting meat on people's plates is a significant contributor to global warming.
Developing nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficient
Some delegates gave the deal a standing ovation in the COP29 plenary hall. Others lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more.
Johor's four-and-a-half-day work week depends on state govt's rationale - Azalina
She said the state government must have valid reasons for the proposal but declined to elaborate further.
Gunman shot dead, 3 police injured in shooting near Israeli embassy in Jordan
The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
23 killed, 45 injured in fresh Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon
Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon so far.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.