Paris, December, 12th 2016 – TV press agency Premières Lignes fully supports journalist Edouard Perrin and both whistleblowers Antoine Deltour and Raphaël Halet who are being heard this Monday in the Luxleaks appeal trial.

With this long and thorough financial investigation, aired as part of the Underhand Tactics series on France 2 in 2013, Edouard Perrin did nothing but his legitimate job as a journalist. His investigation triggered a widespread public debate on a matter of crucial public interest for all European citizens. His work has been the kick-off of many other journalists’ inquiries worldwide.

In the first trial, the Luxemburg court of justice acquitted Edouard Perrin, recognizing that the charges against him were groundless. Thus reasserting that his work was impeccable. Edouard Perrin’s professionalism is no longer to be proven.

Premières Lignes can only regret that a team member such as Edouard Perrin who served the public interest and the public’s right for information – confirmed by judicial decisions of the European Court of Human Rights – has to undergo a second trial in Luxemburg.

Our whole team wishes both whistleblowers Antoine Deltour and Raphaël Halet to be acquitted, as judges recognized in their first decision that their action improved fiscal justice and that they selflessly served the public interest.

Should they be convicted through this appeal trial, this would seriously threaten freedom of speech and citizens’ right for information.

As a matter of fact, the very existence of such a trial emphasizes how an appropriate protection for whistleblowers is urgently and essentially needed in Europe. And highlights the shortcomings of the current legislation.