French leader to face trial for comparing Muslim street prayers to Nazi occupation
Le Pen made the comparison in December 2010 while campaigning for the presidency of her party
Marine Le Pen has led the French far-right National Front party since 2011. PHOTO: AFP
LYON:
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Front, has been ordered to stand trial in October on charges of inciting racial hatred after comparing Muslim street prayers to the Nazi occupation, legal sources said Tuesday.
Read: Anti-Muslim poster displayed at UK eatery sparks controversy
Le Pen made the comparison in December 2010 while campaigning for the presidency of her party, and a judicial enquiry was opened into the matter in 2012.
Read: French rail operator 'discriminated' against 800 Moroccans
In July 2013, the European Parliament had removed immunity of the French far right politician, opening way for her prosecution for comparing Muslim immigration to the Nazi occupation of France.
A public trial in France would be a setback for the National Front (FN), a far-right party headed by Le Pen.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Front, has been ordered to stand trial in October on charges of inciting racial hatred after comparing Muslim street prayers to the Nazi occupation, legal sources said Tuesday.
Read: Anti-Muslim poster displayed at UK eatery sparks controversy
Le Pen made the comparison in December 2010 while campaigning for the presidency of her party, and a judicial enquiry was opened into the matter in 2012.
Read: French rail operator 'discriminated' against 800 Moroccans
In July 2013, the European Parliament had removed immunity of the French far right politician, opening way for her prosecution for comparing Muslim immigration to the Nazi occupation of France.
A public trial in France would be a setback for the National Front (FN), a far-right party headed by Le Pen.