crime
Prosecutors probe CNews over alleged racist comments about Saint-Denis mayor
The Paris prosecutor's office has opened a hate speech probe into CNews after complaints that panel remarks targeted Bally Bagayoko, the newly elected Black mayor of Saint-Denis, while a second probe examines alleged cyberbullying.
Apr 3rd 2026 · France
Insights
- Paris prosecutors opened a hate speech investigation into CNews over panel comments made on March 27 and 28.
- Bally Bagayoko, the newly elected Black mayor of Saint-Denis, filed a complaint alleging the comments were racist.
- A separate investigation was opened into alleged cyberbullying of Bagayoko linked to his skin colour.
- CNews denied racist comments were made and had no immediate comment to Reuters.
- Under French law racial slurs can carry up to one year in jail and a €45,000 fine and cyberbullying can carry up to two years in jail and a €30,000 fine.
Sources
- Prosecutors open hate speech probe against French rolling news channel CNews www.straitstimes.com
- Prosecutors open hate speech probe against French news channel CNews www.independent.co.uk
- French prosecutors open hate speech probe into polarising news channel CNews www.france24.com