French commune bans screening of far-right activist’s film over racism concerns
French mayor bans far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s film, citing racist content and risk of public unrest
CASTELNAU-LE-LEZ, France (MNTV) — A southern French commune has prohibited the screening of Silenced, a film by far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, citing its racist content and potential to incite public disorder.
The film was scheduled to be shown by the Ligue du Midi, a local political group, with attendees instructed to register online to receive details of the secretive location just days before the event. However, Castelnau-le-Lez Mayor Frédéric Lafforgue issued a municipal order banning the screening, deeming the film inflammatory.
“The film propagates conspiracy theories that falsely accuse governments, media, and the judiciary of protecting Muslim fundamentalists, spreading Sharia law, and deceiving the public,” stated the mayor’s order.
The decision also noted the risk of clashes between opposing groups, as counter-demonstrations were being organized on social media.
Speaking to Agence France Presse, Mayor Lafforgue remarked, “It’s a film that calls for hatred and racism. This goes against my principles, and my stance is unequivocal.”
Silenced has faced bans in the UK and elsewhere due to its content, which includes defamatory claims by Robinson against a Syrian refugee.
In 2021, Robinson lost a High Court libel case concerning these remarks, and the film centers on this case while repeating his discredited accusations.
Despite a UK court ruling banning the film’s public screenings, it has been shown in parts of France and Europe, including the Vendée region.The film was originally financed by the far-right US media company InfoWars.
Robinson is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court, linked to the libel case and an illegal public screening of the film during a far-right rally in the UK.
The move by Castelnau-le-Lez authorities has drawn praise from anti-racism groups, who view the ban as a necessary step to prevent the spread of hateful ideologies in local communities.
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