French politician sentenced over Nazi remarks

February 16, 2012 - 20:15 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A French court on Thursday, February 16 sentenced far-right National Front (FN) founder Jean-Marie le Pen to a suspended three-month jail term and fined him 10,000 euros (13,000 dollars) for downplaying the Nazi occupation of France.

The Court of Appeal in Paris confirmed Le Pen's 2008 conviction for “disputing crimes against humanity” in an interview in 2005 and upheld his original sentence.

In the interview with the right-wing Rivarol magazine Le Pen said the occupation “wasn't particularly inhumane.”

The 83-year-old former FN leader was not in court Thursday for the ruling but told AFP news agency he would appeal his conviction.

At a first trial in 2008 he was found guilty of disputing crimes against humanity. A higher court overturned that decision last year and sent the case back to the Court of Appeal to be retried.

Le Pen, a former paratrooper, founded the anti-immigrant National Front in 1972. He has a number of convictions for racism and anti-Semitism.

His daughter Marine le Pen, the party's current leader, is running for president in elections to be held in April and May, M&C reported citing DPA.

 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for February 16, 2012
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.
Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.
Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment.
---