France launches probe into posters caricaturing Macron as Hitler

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 May 14:48

At least 30 posters of the French president were placed on billboards in the southern province of Avignon.

A graffiti image by the artist Lekto, depicting French President Emmanuel Macron with 49.3 written as a mustache and the words "No thanks" in Avignon, southeastern France, on 3 April 2023. (AFP)

France has opened an investigation into posters depicting President Emmanuel Macron as Adolf Hitler, according to local media reports on Thursday.

At least 30 posters were posted on billboards in the southern region of Avignon, each with a Gandhi quote, "Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state becomes outlawed or corrupt," according to public channel TF1.

🇫🇷 FLASH - Des affiches d'Emmanuel #Macron grimé en Adolf Hitler avec les chiffres 49.3 en guise de moustache ont été placardés à #Avignon. Une enquête a été ouverte pour "injure publique envers le président de la République" et "provocation à la rébellion". (La Provence) pic.twitter.com/I53jnnTmrI
— Mediavenir (@Mediavenir) May 18, 2023

🇫🇷⚡️In Avignon, France, posters depicting President Emmanuel Macron disguised as Adolf Hitler were plastered across the city.

The posters were based on a drawing created by graffiti artist Lekto in April, which had previously sparked controversy.

The municipal authorities… pic.twitter.com/1EzFxWEk1x
— hem_day (@hem_day) May 18, 2023

According to TF1, although the billboard business quickly removed the ads, an investigation has been launched for public insult to the president and incitement to insurrection.

The culprits could face up to two months in prison and a fine of €7,500 ($8,100) for incitement to rebellion, according to the broadcaster, as well as a criminal fine of €12,000 for insulting the president.

🟩 Des dizaines d'affiches représentant Emmanuel Macron caricaturé en Adolf Hitler avec les chiffres 49.3 en guise de moustache ont été découvertes, ce jeudi 18 mai au matin, à Avignon.

▶️ https://t.co/0L5ATKWvj6 pic.twitter.com/CFtYSK6qiu
— 🟩 R7 Média | Nous Sommes RT France (@R7_Media) May 18, 2023

#Avignon affiches de Macron en Adolf Hitler placardées dans la ville
😳🤔⤵️ pic.twitter.com/NCtai87kjr
— 1 Mr. Enfant de cabane à Tôle,grandi dans la Rue🙏 (@emi3113) May 18, 2023