The French interior ministry has launched an investigation into the ‘Ligue de Défense Noire Africaine’ (Black African Defense League), alleging that it is a racist organization that promotes hatred and prejudice.
On Monday, French interior minister Gérald Darmanin posted a statement on Twitter that the Ligue de Défense Noire Africaine (LDNA) would be banned in France following a weekend in which the group was allegedly involved in violence.
“I have decided to launch the procedure initiating the dissolution of the Black African Defense League. The speeches of this racist structure call for hatred and discrimination. Its actions cause disturbances to public order, like this weekend in Val-de-Reuil,” he tweeted.
The group describes itself on Facebook as a “revolutionary movement for the defence of the rights of Afro-descendants and Africans”. Almost 300,000 people have subscribed to its Facebook page. Its president and founder Egountchi Behanzin calls himself a “political activist, Pan-African resistance fighter, freedom fighter, revolutionary” in his Twitter bio.
Over the weekend, members of the group were involved in a protest in Val-de-Reuil, in Normandy. In videos shared online, members of the group can be seen seemingly harassing public officials, as well as occupying the town hall.
According to BFM TV, the group has 15 days to appeal against Darmanin’s move. If it elects not to appeal the decision, President Emmanuel Macron can ban the group. If it does appeal, France’s Council of State – an administrative justice body – will decide the matter.
Forsided, 17.09.2021
Source: RT