Gilles Jacquier

Also known as: France T?l?visions

Journalist

Male Verified

DiedJanuary 11, 2012

Location of DeathHoms, Syria

Cause of DeathMortar or rocket-propelled grenade blast

Conflict Journalist Deaths - Syria

Gilles Jacquier was a French journalist for France Télévisions. He was killed on January 11, 2012, while on assignment in Homs, Syria.

Their Story

Gilles Jacquier was a 43-year-old reporter for the French public television network France Télévisions. He was a veteran war correspondent who had previously covered conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya. In early January 2012, he traveled to Syria as part of a small, officially-sanctioned press delegation, one of the first such groups allowed into the country since anti-government protests began the previous year.

On the afternoon of January 11, Jacquier was with other journalists and Syrian government minders in the Baba Amr district of Homs, which was under opposition control. According to reports from French officials and news agencies, a mortar shell or rocket-propelled grenade struck the group. Jacquier was killed instantly. At least eight other people, including Syrian civilians and officials, were reportedly killed in the same blast.

The incident occurred during the early stages of the Syrian civil war, which began with nationwide protests in March 2011. By late 2011, the conflict had escalated into armed insurgency, with cities like Homs becoming major battlegrounds. The government of President Bashar al-Assad maintained tight control over foreign media access, making Jacquier's delegation a rare exception.

The French government condemned the killing, with then-President Nicolas Sarkozy calling it an 'assassination' and demanding an international investigation. The Syrian government blamed 'terrorists' for the attack, while opposition groups suggested government forces had fired the projectile to frame rebels. A United Nations investigation later stated it could not conclusively determine the source of the fire.

Jacquier's death marked a significant moment, highlighting the extreme dangers for journalists in Syria. He was the first Western journalist killed in the conflict. His work and his death are cited in reports by press freedom organizations documenting the risks faced by media personnel in war zones.