French broadcast authority issues warning to station that aired tapes of suspected terrorist

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PARIS — France’s audiovisual watchdog has issued a warning to a leading TV channel for airing excerpts of a recording of conversations between police and a man accused of a deadly terrorist rampage.

The High Broadcast Council, which distributes frequencies, warned TF1 on Tuesday against re-airing the leaked recordings of Mohamed Merah, a 23-year-old suspected of killing three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers around Toulouse in March.

Police recorded the negotiations while Merah was trapped in his apartment, and eventually killed.

Merah is heard on the broadcast explaining why he won’t surrender. Victims’ families have said they were shocked to hear his voice.

The Paris prosecutor’s office is investigating the Sunday broadcast.

Stations ignoring Council warnings may be forced to air an apology, risk a fine or be shut down.

13:15ET 10-07-12