Christophe Deloire, Director General of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), died Saturday in Paris at the age of 53 due to complications from cancer, the organization announced in a press release.
Deloire had been hospitalized at the Saint-Louis Hospital, in France, for several weeks after the late discovery of brain tumors.
Christophe Deloire assumed his role in 2012 and transformed the association into a global champion for the defense of journalism, over twelve years, the RSF statement reads.
“Journalism was his lifelong battle, which he fought with unwavering conviction,” the statement added.
Before assuming the role of RSF’s head, Deloire served as Director of the CFJ, a French journalism school, from 2008 to 2012.
From 1998 to 2007, he worked as an investigative reporter in society and politics departments. He also served for French ARTE and TF1 television channels.