New French security law restricts press freedom

France’s latest planned security law, would limit the right to film or photograph on-duty police officers and violation would call for a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a 45,000-euro ($53,000) fine.

French journalists and press freedom advocates have protested against it and the European Commission said that news media must be able to “work freely”.

The planned law will make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force. EU spokesman Christian Wigand said “The commission does not comment on draft laws, but it goes without saying that in a period of crisis it is more important than ever that journalists must be able to do their jobs freely and in complete safety.”