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The Paris Criminal Court has sentenced a Moroccan national to a three-month suspended prison term for «desecrating a grave or monument dedicated to the memory of the dead». The ruling follows the circulation of a video last week showing the 47-year-old man crossing the barriers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to light his cigarette from the eternal flame.
A former crack user diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he expressed deep remorse, apologizing «to all French people, to all the military personnel». «I know it is a sacred, clean place that should not be defiled», he told the court, adding that he often watches tribute ceremonies on television. Initially described as homeless, the construction site supervisor admitted to committing «the blunder of the century», explaining that the act occurred after he left work last Monday, just 200 meters from the Arc de Triomphe. According to Franceinfo, «he asked passersby for a light, which they did not have, and eventually climbed over the barriers surrounding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to light his cigarette from the eternal flame».
During the hearing, the defendant admitted to relapsing into his addictions, including medication and alcohol, while going through a difficult separation since the start of the summer. Arrested a few hours after being identified in the video, he was found to have 28 prior offenses on his criminal record. In addition to his suspended sentence, he received an 18-month probationary period, was ordered to undergo treatment, and must pay symbolic damages of one euro to the National Monuments, recognized as a civil party.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced on Tuesday that the government intends to revoke his residence permit.
