## Edwy Plenel: Profile and Recent Activities
**Personal Information**
* **Name:** Edwy Plenel
* **Birth Date:** August 31, 1952
* **Birth Place:** Nantes, France
**Professional Background**
Edwy Plenel is a renowned French journalist, writer, and press director. He has played a significant role in shaping the French media landscape and actively advocates for freedom of the press and investigative journalism.
**Journalistic Career**
* **Co-Founder and Director of Le Monde:** In 1994, Plenel co-founded the renowned daily newspaper, Le Monde, and served as its director until 2004. Under his leadership, Le Monde gained recognition for its in-depth investigations, independence, and commitment to quality journalism.
* **Investigative Journalism:** Plenel has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking investigative reports throughout his career. He played a pivotal role in exposing the Clearstream affair, a political scandal involving illegal financial dealings, and the "Brice Hortefeux Affair," implicating a former government minister in corruption.
* **Defense of Media Freedom:** Plenel is an ardent advocate for freedom of the press and has consistently spoken out against censorship and media control. He has criticized successive French governments' attempts to restrict media access and has defended the independence of journalists.
**Author and Writer**
* **Published Works:** Plenel has authored several books on media, politics, and social issues, including "Les Guerres du Journalisme," "Le Président de trop," and "Combat pour une presse libre." His writings have sparked debates and contributed to public discourse.
**Other Activities**
* **President of Mediapart:** In 2008, Plenel co-founded Mediapart, an online investigative journalism platform. Mediapart has gained a reputation for its rigorous reporting and has broken several major stories, including the Bettencourt affair and the Panama Papers.
* **Co-Founding President of Reporters Without Borders (RSF):** Plenel co-founded RSF in 1985, an international organization advocating for press freedom and protecting journalists worldwide. He has actively participated in RSF's campaigns and missions to defend journalists' rights.
**Social Media Presence**
* **Twitter:** @edwyplenel
* **Mediapart:** https://www.mediapart.fr/
**Recent Projects**
* **Investigation into Pegasus Spyware:** Plenel has been involved in investigations into the use of Pegasus spyware by governments to target journalists and activists.
* **Defense of WikiLeaks:** Plenel has voiced his support for WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange, and has denounced the US government's prosecution of Assange for publishing classified information.
* **Call for Media Reform:** Plenel continues to advocate for reforms in the media industry to ensure diversity, independence, and accountability.
**Awards and Recognition**
* **Prix Albert Londres:** 1980 and 1986
* **Prix Européen de la Presse:** 1988
* **Légion d'Honneur:** 2005
Edwy Plenel remains a influential figure in the French media landscape and a staunch defender of press freedom. His contributions to journalism and his commitment to investigative reporting have earned him widespread respect and recognition.