Photographers protest probe of colleagues in Diana case

September 24, 1997
Web posted at: 4:39 p.m. EDT (1639 GMT)

PARIS (CNN) -- About 80 news photographers refused to take pictures of French ministers at a Cabinet meeting Wednesday to protest the investigation of their colleagues in Princess Diana's death.

The photographers laid down their cameras and press cards and stood in two lines as the ministers filed by, one-by-one, in the presidential Elysee palace courtyard. Television cameras filmed the scene as the photographers stood silently with folded arms.

"We are here to support our colleagues who were placed under investigation, and who now cannot work, because some of them haven't been returned their press cards," said Joel Robin, a spokesman for the photographers.

The protest came on the day the government presents its budget bill at the palace -- a day when ministers would ordinarily be photographed.

Nine photographers and one press motorcyclist are under official investigation for manslaughter and failing to assist people in danger, a crime in France. They have not been formally charged.

Two of the photographers have been prevented from working until the inquiry is completed, and have had their press cards taken.

In a statement given to the ministers, the protesters contended that preventing photographers from working hasn't happened "since Petain," the French leader who collaborated with the Nazis.

"We defend freedom of the press," the statement said. "This is about information."

The photographers demanded to be heard by the culture minister, Catherine Trautmann, who also is the government's spokeswoman. She agreed to meet with the photographers later Wednesday, but said she wouldn't comment on the investigation.

Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed, and driver Henri Paul were killed when their car crashed in a Paris tunnel on August 31.

Investigators are looking into whether photographers trailing Diana's Mercedes that night may have contributed to the crash or hindered rescue efforts. The probe also has focused on driver Paul, who was legally drunk and on prescription drugs at the time of the accident.

 

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A Nation Mourns: As the world looks on, Britain buries a princess The Death of Princess Diana: Coverage of the accident, the investigation, and global reaction

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• Message board - Princess Diana: 1961-1997

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