French mayor taken to court for Muslim remark

A criminal investigation is launched at a Paris court against the mayor of the French city of Beziers Robert Menard on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against religious minorities, reports RIA Novosti citing Agence France-Presse.

"Far-right French mayor Robert Menard will be tried on charges of hate for the remark, in which he called a "problem" the number of Muslim students in one of the schools of his city," — reports the Agency the words of the source in court.

The scandal emerged after the politician said: "In one of the schools, located in the center of my city, 91 percent of students are Muslims. This is obviously a problem.
Tolerance should have limits". This September he also expressed regret that the white Christian population of the country was being replaced by foreign Muslims.

The mayor says he did not admit his guilt. "I just described the situation in my city. It's not a value judgment but a fact. This is what I can see," he told the Agency.

The first hearing is scheduled for March 8, 2017.

Read also

Dumenko holds "service" at seized UOC church in Boyarka

On September 29, the head of the OCU performed a "divine service" at St. Michael's Church in Boyarka and rewarded the raider-rector.

UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival

UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.

UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official

A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.

Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary

The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.

Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes

A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.

Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code

The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.