Bordeaux became the first French city to ban performances by the antisemitic comedian Dieudonné yesterday, following advice given by France’s interior minister to local officials.
In a statement released to municipal leaders across France, Interior Minister Manuel Valls wrote: “The fight against racism and antisemitism is a main concern for the government and demands energetic action.”
He added: “Respect for freedom of expression does not prevent, in exceptional circumstances, the banning of an activity if the measure is aimed only at preventing a breach of public order”.
Bordeaux’s mayor, and former French prime minister Alain Juppé took the lead, immediately cancelling the Dieudonné’s scheduled appearance in the city on January 26.
