France is once again grappling with the rise of far-right extremism, as a fringe group’s propaganda at a weekend rally – in support of National Rally figurehead Marine Le Pen – has promped legal action from racial justice group SOS Racisme.
A French anti-racism group has filed a legal complaint against the far-right fringe organisation Luminis Paris, following the circulation of flyers near a demonstration held for Le Pen’s National Rally party in Paris.
The flyers, handed out on Sunday close to the political meeting, featured an image of a bloodied knife alongside the call to action: "French people, fight back”.
One line read: "French people, today the foreigners come into our arms to slit the throats of your sons and wives".
SOS Racisme, a long-standing civil rights organisation in France, lodged the complaint on Monday, accusing Luminis Paris of inciting racial hatred and violence.
The group is calling not only for the offending flyers to be banned but also for the complete dissolution of Luminis Paris.
“This shows how the far-right, despite its internal divisions, unites around what is its DNA: hatred of the Other,” said Dominique Sopo, president of SOS Racisme,
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Hate speech legislation
Observers and legal experts believe the flyers may well breach France’s strict hate speech laws, which prohibit public incitement to discrimination or violence.
As of yet, Luminis Paris has not responded to the complaint, though it has brushed off criticism regarding the materials in the past.
This is not the first time Luminis Paris has come under scrutiny.
In 2024, the group was accused of organising so-called “patrols” in Paris that allegedly blocked assistance to homeless migrants.
That incident drew widespread condemnation and led to renewed calls for the government to take action against the group’s activities.
More broadly, the emergence and growing boldness of fringe far-right groups like Luminis Paris reflect a worrying trend across France.
The use of violent, dehumanising rhetoric is not confined to the political fringe, but increasingly seeps into the language of mainstream nationalist discourse.
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Anti-immigrant propaganda
In recent years, anti-racism organisations have frequently raised alarm over the use of racially inflammatory propaganda at far-right rallies.
The public, however, is beginning to push back. Just two weeks ago, tens of thousands marched in cities across the country to protest the rise of racism and far-right ideology.
Another nationwide demonstration is planned for Saturday, aiming to show that intolerance will not go unchallenged.
“The racism we face today is not just normalised – it’s structured, radicalised, and dangerous,” said a SOS Racisme spokesperson.
