Le Figaro: writer Michel Houellebecq was accused of inciting hatred due to remarks about Muslimstranslated

French writer Michel Houellebecq has been charged with complicity in incitement to discrimination, hatred or violence. This was reported to Le Figaro by a source familiar with the case.

The decision was made by the investigating judge of the city of Nanterre. The occasion was Houellebecq’s statements in an interview with philosopher Michel Honfray, published in the magazine Front populaire in 2022.

During this conversation, the writer stated that the indigenous population of Europe was gradually being replaced by migrants, and suggested that this would lead to violence. “There will be terrorist attacks and shootings in mosques, in cafes frequented by Muslims,” he said.

According to Houellebecq, the French do not want the assimilation of Muslims, but an end to robbery and violence. “Or another option is to let them leave,” he added.

After the publication of the interview, the Union of Mosques of France (UMF) and the Movement against Racism and for Friendship among Peoples (MRAP) filed complaints against the writer.

Houellebecq denies the accusations, claiming that he only took advantage of freedom of speech and that his words do not contain calls for hatred or violence. If the writer is found guilty, he could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to 45 thousand euros.

Houellebecq has faced similar accusations before...