Five British far-right activists fined and barred from northern France
Five British far-right activists were fined after French authorities arrested them near Dunkirk while they were travelling in a reinforced-window minibus they called a “battle bus”. They were expelled from France and barred from the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments for six months; the case matters because it concerns alleged intimidation of migrants and the possession of weapons prohibited under French law.
The five, aged 30 to 46, were found with tear gas, pepper spray and a baton, and were reportedly livestreaming their activities. A prosecutor said investigations did not establish evidence of violent offences, although weapons charges can carry prison sentences. Each was ordered to pay £2,500 and £418 to migrant charities. French authorities said the group was expelled on Sunday.
In short
- Five Britons were fined and expelled from France.
- They were barred from two departments for six months.
- Investigators found no evidence to establish violent offences.
Explained simply
Dunkirk is in northern France, close to the Channel coast and the route many people take when trying to reach the UK. The area has long been a focus of French and British efforts to manage migration, including camps and aid services for people hoping to cross the Channel.
The activists were travelling in a minibus fitted with reinforced windows and carrying items such as tear gas and pepper spray. French law restricts some weapons, and authorities can also limit where foreign nationals may travel. Migrant charities provide support to people living in the region, while disputes over how to manage migration have drawn attention from campaign groups on different sides.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Five armed Brits who were driving the Channel coast in a ‘battle bus’ and ‘planning attacks on migrants in France’ are fined £2,500 and barred from parts of the country”.