French Authorities Probe Islamophobic, Neo-Nazi Stickers in Orléans
The inquiry, first reported by AFP, was prompted by the appearance of stickers in central Orléans and on the University of Orléans campus that carried messages deemed Islamophobic and hostile to left-wing ideologies.
The materials also included imagery and references associated with neo-Nazi and far-right groups. The case is currently being overseen by the judicial police.
Multiple organizations have already indicated plans to pursue legal action. Earlier in the day, both the Loiret branch of the League Against Racism and Antisemitism (Licra) and the University of Orléans declared their intention to file formal complaints in response to the incident.
Orléans City Hall issued a statement on Wednesday affirming that it would review footage from public surveillance cameras in an effort to identify those responsible for placing the stickers.
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The messages were marked by symbols linked to Nazi ideology and identitarian movements. Reports suggest the stickers were distributed through an online shop that has since been taken offline.
According to regional outlet Actu.fr, the now-defunct online store was allegedly operated by a man residing in the Eure department of Normandy. The individual had registered the business the previous year and was convicted on Tuesday by the Évreux court for public incitement to hatred.
Source: Agencies
