French News Channel Under Fire for Alleged Racist Remarks

CNews is under investigation for possible hate speech following alleged racist comments about Bally Bagayoko, the new Black mayor of Saint-Denis. An additional investigation into cyber-bullying has also been launched. Legal penalties could include fines and imprisonment for public insult of a racial nature and cyber-bullying.

French news channel CNews is facing an investigation initiated by the Paris prosecutor for potential hate speech. Allegedly, panelists made racist remarks about Bally Bagayoko, the recently elected Black mayor of Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris. On Wednesday, Bagayoko filed a complaint, asserting these comments were discriminatory based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race, or religion.

In another probe, authorities are investigating claims of cyber-bullying against Bagayoko due to his skin color. The mayor is affiliated with the far-left France Unbowed party. The channel has yet to comment on these accusations.

The legal consequences for public insults of a racial nature include up to one year in jail and fines up to 45,000 euros. Cyber-bullying charges carry possible penalties of two years in prison and fines up to 30,000 euros.

(With inputs from agencies.)