The northern prefecture took legal action after the deployment on Saturday in Lille of a banner bearing a swastika associated with the Israeli flag during a pro-Palestinian demonstration to denounce the events that have taken place since last Monday between Israel and the gang of Gaza.
“Demonstration in Lille on 05/15: following the deployment of a banner bearing a swastika, the prefect seized, under article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Madam the public prosecutor in order to determine the existence of a possible criminal offense ”, announced Sunday the prefecture in a tweet.
# Demonstration in #Lille on 05/15: following the deployment of a banner bearing a swastika, the prefect seized, under art 40 of the code of criminal procedure, the public prosecutor in order to determine the existence of a possible criminal offense.
- Prefect of the Hauts-de-France and North region (@ prefet59) May 16, 2021
In a photo circulating on social networks, we can see a banner displaying the message: "Israel = Terrorist State", under which the Israeli flag, without the Star of David, is associated with the Nazi flag.
"Ignominious amalgam"
About 1,500 people according to the organizers and between 600 and 700 according to the prefecture took part in this demonstration in the center of Lille, without incident, to denounce the Israeli bombardments on Gaza.
As in several cities in France, but unlike Nice and Paris, the demonstration was authorized.
In a letter sent Monday to the prefect of the North, the president of the local branch of the association France Palestine Solidarity (AFPS) said "totally condemn" this "ignominious amalgam".
“Our association has absolutely nothing to do with this banner.
The people who made it, and who are completely unknown to us, have no connection with our association or with the organizers of the rally, ”writes Mireille Gabrelle.
Contacted, the Lille prosecutor's office indicated not to communicate on this file at this stage.
