A judge investigating the 2013 assassinations of RFI journalist Ghislaine Dupont and technician Claude Verlon in Mali has requested a new declassification of secret defense documents. This request, directed to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces on January 12, follows a demand from the civil parties involved in the case. While there have been earlier attempts for declassification by prior judges, they have not been successful in yielding useful information.

Since the withdrawal of French troops from Mali in 2021, the context surrounding this case has evolved significantly. According to Danièle Gonod, president of the Association of Friends of Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, the absence of French military personnel now means there are no longer sources to protect in the region, suggesting that the rationale for maintaining secrecy has diminished considerably. This change could potentially aid the investigation, as the judge looks for insights relating to two suspects who remain alive and are believed to have been involved in the murders.

This ongoing inquiry highlights the complexities of addressing unresolved cases of violence against journalists, particularly in conflict zones. As calls for transparency and accountability grow, the judges' efforts to access previously classified material could be pivotal in shedding light on the circumstances of the killings and bringing justice to the victims' families. The developments may also signify a broader shift in how such cases are approached by authorities, with increased scrutiny on military operations and their implications for civilian safety and rights.