British Nationals Arrested in France Over Banned Far-Right Protest
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Two British nationals, aged 35 and 53, were detained in France for allegedly planning to join a banned far-right protest.
- The arrests occurred near Calais as the men broadcasted live videos containing discriminatory remarks.
- French authorities extended the ban on the Operation Overlord protest, citing risks of public disorder.
- This marks the first arrest of British far-right activists in France on these specific grounds.
- The Operation Overlord protest was initially linked to Raise the Colours but is now led by Daniel Thomas.
In a significant move by French authorities, two British nationals have been detained near Calais on suspicion of planning to participate in a prohibited far-right protest. The men, aged 35 and 53, were arrested on Sunday while broadcasting live videos that allegedly contained discriminatory comments, according to Cécile Gressier, the prosecutor of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The arrests are part of a broader effort by French authorities to curb anti-migrant demonstrations, particularly those associated with the so-called "Operation Overlord." This protest, which was banned by French officials, aimed to rally far-right activists against migrant crossings in northern France. Despite the ban, messages on social media suggested that the operation was still ongoing, prompting authorities to extend the prohibition until Wednesday morning.
François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Boulogne-sur-Mer, emphasized the potential threat to public order posed by such gatherings. He stated that the detained individuals were not among the ten British far-right activists previously banned from France for violent actions against migrants. The arrests are reportedly the first of their kind involving British far-right activists in France on these grounds.
Operation Overlord, initially part of the Raise the Colours movement, is now led by Daniel Thomas, an associate of the controversial figure Tommy Robinson. The Raise the Colours group has distanced itself from the operation, clarifying its lack of involvement.
French authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public order and preventing xenophobic ideologies from taking root. The detained men face charges of incitement to hatred and participating in a group with the intent to prepare acts of violence.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The recent arrests highlight the growing tensions surrounding far-right activism in Europe, particularly in regions like northern France that are pivotal in the migrant crisis. As French authorities continue to enforce strict measures against such demonstrations, the legal and political implications could be significant. Experts suggest that these actions may deter similar protests in the future, but they also risk escalating tensions between far-right groups and law enforcement.
The involvement of figures like Daniel Thomas and the distancing of Raise the Colours indicate potential fractures within far-right movements, which could lead to shifts in their strategies and alliances. As the situation develops, both French and UK authorities will need to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting individual rights.
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British Nationals Arrested in France Over Banned Far-Right Protest
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Two British nationals, aged 35 and 53, were detained in France for allegedly planning to join a banned far-right protest.
- The arrests occurred near Calais as the men broadcasted live videos containing discriminatory remarks.
- French authorities extended the ban on the Operation Overlord protest, citing risks of public disorder.
- This marks the first arrest of British far-right activists in France on these specific grounds.
- The Operation Overlord protest was initially linked to Raise the Colours but is now led by Daniel Thomas.
In a significant move by French authorities, two British nationals have been detained near Calais on suspicion of planning to participate in a prohibited far-right protest. The men, aged 35 and 53, were arrested on Sunday while broadcasting live videos that allegedly contained discriminatory comments, according to Cécile Gressier, the prosecutor of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The arrests are part of a broader effort by French authorities to curb anti-migrant demonstrations, particularly those associated with the so-called "Operation Overlord." This protest, which was banned by French officials, aimed to rally far-right activists against migrant crossings in northern France. Despite the ban, messages on social media suggested that the operation was still ongoing, prompting authorities to extend the prohibition until Wednesday morning.
François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Boulogne-sur-Mer, emphasized the potential threat to public order posed by such gatherings. He stated that the detained individuals were not among the ten British far-right activists previously banned from France for violent actions against migrants. The arrests are reportedly the first of their kind involving British far-right activists in France on these grounds.
Operation Overlord, initially part of the Raise the Colours movement, is now led by Daniel Thomas, an associate of the controversial figure Tommy Robinson. The Raise the Colours group has distanced itself from the operation, clarifying its lack of involvement.
French authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public order and preventing xenophobic ideologies from taking root. The detained men face charges of incitement to hatred and participating in a group with the intent to prepare acts of violence.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The recent arrests highlight the growing tensions surrounding far-right activism in Europe, particularly in regions like northern France that are pivotal in the migrant crisis. As French authorities continue to enforce strict measures against such demonstrations, the legal and political implications could be significant. Experts suggest that these actions may deter similar protests in the future, but they also risk escalating tensions between far-right groups and law enforcement.
The involvement of figures like Daniel Thomas and the distancing of Raise the Colours indicate potential fractures within far-right movements, which could lead to shifts in their strategies and alliances. As the situation develops, both French and UK authorities will need to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining public order and respecting individual rights.
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