French far-right MEP Marine Le Pen could face charges over comparing Muslims to Nazis
Immunity granted to her as a member of European Parliament has been lifted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French far-right politician Marine Le Pen could be charged over comments she made comparing the sight of Muslims praying to the Nazi occupation of France.
The leader of the National Front’s status as a European Parliament member meant she couldn’t be prosecuted over the remarks she made at a rally in 2010, but in December last year authorities asked parliament to lift her immunity.
Following a secret vote by a European parliamentary committee, her protection has now been removed, according to the BBC.
The vote to strip her of immunity was “overwhelming”, and while the result will need to be ratified by the full parliament, the BBC expects it to be a formality. There was no comment from Le Pen, who could faces charges for inciting racism.
At the rally, she said: “For those who want to talk a lot about World War II, if it’s about occupation, then we could also talk about it [Muslims praying in the streets], because that is occupation of territory.
“It is an occupation of sections of the territory, of districts in which religious laws apply. It's an occupation.
“There are of course no tanks, there are no soldiers, but it is nevertheless an occupation and it weighs heavily on local residents.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments