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Statue of Colbert tagged: Franco Lollia's trial postponed to May 10

2021-01-18T10:34:56.435Z


The activist was to be tried on Monday for having inscribed "State Negroophobia" on the statue located in front of the National Assembly. But his lawyers have raised a priority issue of constitutionality.


In black T-shirt and mask flocked "Anti-Negrophobia Brigade" in shimmering gold letters, it was impossible to miss Franco Lollia, this Monday, January 18 at the Batignolles court.

The 49-year-old activist was to be tried for having tagged “State Negroophobia” with red paint on the statue of Colbert located in front of the National Assembly, on June 23, 2020. He incurs a fine of 3,750 euros and a labor penalty of general interest under article 322-1 of the Penal Code.

To read also: "State negrophobia": the statue of Colbert tagged in front of the National Assembly

But after a first referral pronounced on August 14, 2020, the Guadeloupe's trial was again postponed, this time to May 10.

Defense lawyers have indeed raised a priority question of constitutionality (QPC).

“The National Assembly is a civil party.

However, we ask the question whether it is authorized to do so, as an emanation of the state.

We consider that this undermines the principles of separation of powers and equality of arms before the courts, ”

explained Me Guy Florentin to

Le Figaro

.

"It does not make much sense ... We will bring our observations"

, for his part reacted Me Saida Benouari, who represents the National Assembly in this matter.

On the form, the lawyer deplored

"having received the documents

[relating to this QPC, Editor's note]

three minutes before the hearing"

.

"Too bad.

It lengthens the procedural deadlines for everyone, it is not the idea that I have of a good justice ”

, she underlined.

"History cannot be frozen"

On leaving the courtroom, the defendant and his lawyers spoke at length to the press and the many activists gathered.

"If we want to find the source of the racial discrimination that we are currently experiencing, we must dive back into the colonial history that the figure of Colbert embodies, because he is at the origin of the Black Code

[a set of texts aimed at framing the law in terms of slavery in the French colonies, Editor's note]

and the father of state negrophobia

,

Franco Lollia said.

Read also: Colbert and the Black Code: what exactly are the facts?

The Guadeloupean then clarified:

"We are not attacking Colbert, a dead and buried man, but the French State which uses these figurines to spit in our faces every day that God makes"

.

"Does a 'negrocidaire' have his place before the National Assembly?"

, he launched under the encouragement of activists.

“History can never be frozen.

France must understand that public space must include memorial justice

,

added Me Evita Chevry, one of her lawyers.

Many activists were gathered in front of the courtroom, around Franco Lollia.

Aude Bariéty - Le Figaro

Me Benouari recalled that in the eyes of the National Assembly, this case remained above all

"a file of material degradation"

.

“I hear the symbolic action argument, but what about the material damage?

What is the meaning of degrading property belonging to the public domain?

There are more civic ways of provoking debate. ”

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2021-01-18

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