-
'I have a particular obligation’: Americans in Paris count down to Pope Leo's visit
As the first US-born pope arrives in France this week, Paris’ Catholic American community prepared to welcome an American pope with an international vision
-
Flights to and from UK impacted by air traffic control issue
Second major issue in September sees flights to and from several UK airports impacted
-
Scotland-France ferry plans axed as Forth Ports pulls out
Last European passenger ferry service from Rosyth ended in 2010
Eurovision singer sues over online gay hatred
France’s Eurovision contender has launched legal action after receiving more than a thousand hate messages over his sexuality and feminine appearance.
Bilal Hassani’s case is backed by the association Stop Homophobie, whose spokesperson Joël Berthout said: “The bullies think they can say anything under freedom of speech.”
The 19-year-old singer’s lawyer said the social media messages, which say they hope he will die and claim he is a disgrace to his country and his religion – although his beliefs are not known – were “unacceptable”.
Culprits risk six years in prison and a fine of €45,000.
Bilal, who is Parisian with French-Moroccan parents, has asked people to “let him live”.
He has apologised over an old tweet in which he accused Israel – host of the Eurovision contest on May 14 – of crimes against humanity, and after a video was published showing him joking about terrorism. He said he was young at the time.
