Tory MP Aidan Burley now faces investigation by French prosecutors. The Nazi-themed stag party he attended is now being examined by police after an official complaints from anti-racism organisation SOS Racisme and the owners of restaurant La Fondue, at which the stag party taunted a waiter with jibes about the Third Reich.
With Nazi uniforms and insignia such as swastikas illegal in France, Burley may be of personal interest to authorities across the Channel after the Mail on Sunday reported that he hired the SS uniform worn by his friend Mark Fournier.
Under previous cases, French diplomats in the UK have previously stated:
“Under Article R645-1 of the French Penal Code, it is a crime, unless required in a film, a play or historical exhibition, to wear or exhibit in public a uniform, insignia or emblem reminiscent of the uniforms, insignia or emblems worn or exhibited either by members of an organization declared criminal pursuant to the statute of the International Military Tribunal annexed to the London Accord of 8 August 1945 or by a person found guilty by a French or international court of one or more crimes against humanity.”
What is French for “You’re nicked, sunshine”?
6 Comments
Remember the fate of Galliano for related offences?
Fine by me. Sack the odious man. Anyone involved in this sort of foolishness should (be made to) take a trip to Dachau, a bus-ride from the centre of Munich, which is a compulsory visit for recruits to the Bundeswehr. He’s not the only MP to have indulged in inappropriate behaviour. Here’s Ed Balls dressed as a Nazi in his student days.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/06/14/article-1286627-0A09686D000005DC-494_233x423.jpg
@Black Dog Tales
Wow – that’s the first time I’ve seen that. What’s the context? Did he go around town dressed like with a bunch of people giving nazi salutes to locals? Or is that a private party?
Private party in a public space? I don’t think the préfet will buy that one.
@Black Dog Tales
Here’s Ed Balls dressed as a Nazi in his student days.
Reprehensible, of course but I would draw your attention to the clause ‘in his student days’.
@Black Dog Tales: that’s Ed Balls in a Wehrmacht uniform: still completely tasteless, but not quite in the same sewer as Burley.