Two British Activists Detained in France for Anti-Migrant Campaigning

Politics

Two British Activists Detained in France for Anti-Migrant Campaigning

1 hour ago

News sources:

THELOCAL

LEMONDE

BBC

Two British Activists Detained in France for Anti-Migrant Campaigning

Credited from: LEMONDE

Two British men were arrested in Calais for inciting hatred against migrants.
The arrest follows French bans on far-right protests and heightened scrutiny of anti-migrant activism.
French authorities have been cracking down on activists participating in anti-migrant demonstrations.

Two British nationals, aged 35 and 50, were detained near Calais for allegedly inciting hatred and planning to join a banned far-right protest against migrants. They were broadcasting live videos when arrested, highlighting their participation in anti-migrant activities, according to The Local and BBC.

Prosecutors have indicated that these arrests relate to comments made on social media, which incited hatred and intended to prepare acts of violence. These actions are seen as part of a broader initiative by French authorities to enforce existing bans on far-right demonstrations, particularly in regions where migration issues are prevalent, reports Le Monde and BBC.

This incident marks the first arrests of British far-right activists on such grounds in France, and comes as the French government steps up efforts to quell rising anti-migrant sentiments fueled by local complaints. The arrests follow a recent wave of crackdowns, including a ban on the "Overlord" rally, which was promoted on social media but ultimately prohibited by authorities, according to The Local and Le Monde.