Support from French academics and research workers

In an appeal published on February 24, 2009, the coordinating committee of French academics and research workers expressed support for the staff of Agence France-Presse

Extracts:

Support AFP Journalists

THEIR FIGHT IS OURS

We, academics, research workers, staff of higher education and research institutions, intellectuals, call for support for the struggle currently being waged by AFP journalists.

Their fight is ours because it is the same fundamental battle for the independence being waged by all of us who can be termed workers of knowledge and information. The guarantee of independence for universities is a basic principal recognised in the laws of the Republic. A law from 1957 guarantees the independence of AFP as regards the government and all other "ideological, political or economic groupings".

Their fight is ours because AFP's mission is defined by law as being to "To seek out, in France... as well as abroad, the elements of a complete and objective information service". Like us, journalists defend pluralism, respect for truth and the right, for all citizens, to have access to the most objective knowledge and information possible.

.../...

This struggle is above all one for freedom because any threat to the independence of knowledge workers constitutes a threat to a major part of our fundamental freedoms.

.../...

Full text and further information in French: Universités en lutte
Coordination nationale des universités

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