Gilles Jacquier, French journalist and photographer (b. 1968)

Gilles Jacquier (25 October 1968 – 11 January 2012) was a highly esteemed French photojournalist and a dedicated reporter for France Télévisions, the national public broadcasting group in France. Renowned for his courage and commitment to frontline reporting, Jacquier played a crucial role in bringing global events to French audiences.

He was prominently known for his work as a special correspondent for Envoyé spécial, an iconic and one of France's most recognized documentary programs. Airing on France 2, a flagship channel of France Télévisions, Envoyé spécial is celebrated for its in-depth investigative journalism, long-form reports, and coverage of significant international and societal issues. Jacquier's contributions to this program often involved him venturing into the most challenging and volatile regions worldwide.

Throughout his distinguished career, Gilles Jacquier amassed significant recognition for his exceptional work. He extensively covered major international military conflicts, humanitarian crises, and complex geopolitical upheavals across the globe. His dedication to photojournalism and reporting in hazardous environments earned him several prestigious accolades during his lifetime. Notably, he was awarded the Bayeux-Calvados Award for War Correspondents in 2003 for his compelling reportage on the war in Iraq, underscoring his talent and bravery in documenting armed conflicts.

Tragically, Gilles Jacquier lost his life on 11 January 2012, while meticulously covering the nascent stages of the Syrian Civil War in Homs, Syria. The conflict, which had begun in March 2011, quickly escalated, turning Homs into a major flashpoint and a center of intense hostilities. Jacquier was part of a group of journalists on an organized trip when a shell or rocket attack struck the al-Ghouta neighborhood. The precise circumstances of the attack have been subject to conflicting accounts and investigations, with various parties blaming different factions involved in the conflict. His untimely death underscored the extreme and rapidly escalating dangers faced by journalists attempting to report from within Syria.

Gilles Jacquier's death marked a somber and significant milestone: he was the first Western journalist to be killed in Syria since the very beginning of the devastating civil war. His passing served as a stark reminder to the international community and media organizations about the perilous conditions confronting those committed to shedding light on the brutal realities of the conflict. He posthumously received a special recognition from the Albert Londres Prize jury in 2012, an ultimate distinction in French journalism, acknowledging his immense contributions and sacrifices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gilles Jacquier

Who was Gilles Jacquier?
Gilles Jacquier was a celebrated French photojournalist and reporter who worked for France Télévisions, primarily as a special correspondent for the highly respected documentary program Envoyé spécial on France 2.
What was Envoyé spécial?
Envoyé spécial is one of France's most prominent and enduring documentary and investigative journalism programs, broadcast on France 2. It is known for its in-depth reports on current affairs, international events, and societal issues, often featuring brave reporting from challenging locations.
What notable awards did Gilles Jacquier receive?
During his lifetime, Gilles Jacquier received several awards for his war reporting, including the prestigious Bayeux-Calvados Award for War Correspondents in 2003 for his coverage of the Iraq War. Posthumously, he was also honored with special recognition from the Albert Londres Prize jury in 2012.
Where and when was Gilles Jacquier killed?
Gilles Jacquier was tragically killed on 11 January 2012, in Homs, Syria, while covering the early stages of the Syrian Civil War. He died during a shell or rocket attack in the al-Ghouta neighborhood.
Why was his death significant?
His death was highly significant as he was the first Western journalist killed in Syria after the onset of the civil war. It highlighted the escalating dangers for journalists covering the conflict and drew international attention to the extreme perils faced by reporters in the region.