07/05/2001 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the 11th international press day, French president of the GUE/NGL Francis Wurtz paid tribute, on 3 May, to the opening of the EP plenary to many journalists that have been victims of human rights violations in countries such as Burma, Syria, China, Ethiopia and Tunisia. "In recent days, we have been very sad to learn that Brice Fleutiaux, the French reporter taken hostage for several long months in Chechnya, and for whom we had intervened, has not been able to overcome the depression brought on by this terrible ordeal and has taken his life", said Mr Wurtz. He added: "Let this day be the occasion to rekindle our commitment for this indispensable dimension of democracy".