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French TV Revisits Rainbow Warrior Bombing, Citing Orders From Mitterrand and Hernu

First‑hand accounts revive scrutiny of a state operation that targeted Greenpeace in Auckland in 1985.

Overview

  • A three‑part documentary by Julien Johan and Frédéric Ploquin airs on France 2 and France.tv, weaving archival material with new on‑camera testimony.
  • The film reaffirms DGSE responsibility for the attack, with reporting asserting that orders originated from Defence Minister Charles Hernu and President François Mitterrand.
  • Former DGSE diver Jean‑Luc Kister describes placing explosive charges under the Rainbow Warrior during the Auckland mission.
  • Operational missteps are detailed, including the use of easily flagged Swiss passports and cover identities that preceded the arrests of Alain Mafart and Dominique Prieur.
  • The coverage credits investigative newspapers with bringing the affair to light and notes no new prosecutions as public debate is renewed.