The Director General of the NGO “Reporters Without Borders”, Christophe Delois, died yesterday at the age of 53, announced the French association that protects the freedom of the press around the world, reported France Press, quoted by BTA.
Delloir held this post since 2012 and “in 12 years, he turned the /.../ association into a world leader in the protection of journalism”, the organization states.
The Frenchman died “as a result of an oncological disease”, said the statement of "Reporters Without Borders" sent to AFP.
Journalist Pierre Asqui, chairman of the board of directors of Reporters Without Borders, said: “Christophe Delois led the organization at a pivotal moment for the right to information. His contribution to the protection of this fundamental right is significant.
„Journalism was the struggle of his life, which he led with unwavering conviction”, the non-governmental organization emphasizes.
Before taking over the leadership of "Reporters Without Borders", Christophe Delois directed the Center for the Training of Journalists in Paris, one of France's leading journalism schools, from 2008 to 2012. From 1998 to 2007, he worked and in the magazine "Poan", in the departments of society and politics as an investigative reporter. Prior to this, Deloir worked for the television channels AER TeE and TeEf 1.
Delloir has traveled extensively to Ukraine, Turkey, Africa and elsewhere to lobby governments to protect journalists who are imprisoned or in danger, according to the Associated Press.