BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The French journalism landscape is in upheaval due to an affair that intertwines intrigue, manipulation, and foreign interference. Rachid M’Barki, a once-respected Franco-Moroccan journalist at BFMTV, finds himself at the center of a scandal that is shaking the foundations of journalistic objectivity. Revelations emerging from the investigation have deep-reaching ramifications, involving lobbyists and foreign actors. In this article, we delve into this captivating and unsettling affair that has rocked the French media scene.
The Fall of Rachid M’Barki
The story began in February 2023 when Rachid M’Barki, a respected journalist at BFMTV, was dismissed for “serious misconduct.” An internal investigation revealed that M’Barki had manipulated content to favor his country of origin, Morocco. Specifically, his reports seemed to promote Morocco’s rhetoric on the Western Sahara issue.
The dismissal was followed by a complaint filed against M’Barki. However, this was only the beginning of an affair that would soon take an even more complex turn.
Shock Confessions
A year after the scandal broke, Rachid M’Barki made shocking confessions. While in police custody, he revealed that he had received up to 8,000 euros from a lobbyist who provided him with fully crafted topics to advocate for foreign and private interests. BFMTV’s internal investigation had identified at least thirteen “problematic” subjects.
M’Barki admitted to being “manipulated” and pleaded guilty to “passive corruption.” This startling admission brought to light the existence of a vast lobbying and manipulation operation that allegedly benefited Morocco, Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Russian oligarchs.
Implicated Lobbyist
M’Barki’s confessions were corroborated by lobbyist Jean-Pierre Duthion, also indicted in the investigation into foreign interference in France. Duthion admitted to remunerating the Franco-Moroccan journalist, handing over envelopes of money and making a 2,000-euro transfer.
Moreover, M’Barki may face additional charges of perjury, as he lied under oath during his testimony before a parliamentary inquiry commission in March 2023. Deputy Jean-Philippe Tanguy expressed his intention to bring this matter to the attention of the justice system.
Expanding Investigations
This affair has ramifications that involve other personalities and institutions. Investigators are looking into the Qatar specialist political scientist Nabil Ennasri, currently in provisional detention since last October. They are also interested in Green Party deputy Hubert Julien-Laferrière.
The investigation was triggered by BFMTV’s complaint and revelations from the Forbidden Stories collective of journalists, which highlighted the activities of Team Jorge, a Zionist company specializing in disinformation. This scandal erupted shortly after a major scandal involving Morocco in December 2022 when Belgian justice uncovered a vast network of corruption involving European parliamentarians by foreign states, including Morocco and Qatar.
A Media World in Turmoil
The Rachid M’Barki affair has exposed the vulnerabilities of the French media world to foreign interference and manipulations. It has also raised questions about the responsibility of the media in preserving journalistic objectivity.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
