The prosecution of conservative French Senator Stéphane Ravier for alleged racial defamation by a left-wing court is alarming evidence of the weaponization of the legal system to suppress political dissent and free speech.
Ravier posted a tweet in July 2021 that he commented on a news item about a young seller of a telephone shop who was killed by a Senegalese migrant, stating that “immigration kills the youth of France.”
The tweet, which Ravier never removed, was a political commentary on the consequences of France’s immigration policies, and he denies any racist intent.
However, the left-wing activist group, International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (Likra), reported the tweet to the prosecution, claiming that it constituted racial defamation due to belonging to a race.
The prosecutor has requested a fine of 1,000 euros against Ravier, arguing that the tweet targeted a particular community, namely, the immigrant community, and indicated a geographical origin.
The prosecutor’s stance raises questions about the freedom of expression of political leaders in France and whether they can express their views on sensitive topics such as immigration without fear of legal action.
Source: RAIR Foundation