4 French men claim racist Muslim mob beat them unconscious for singing Catholic songs

Four men in Rouen say a group of attackers beat them after mistaking them for far-right activists while they were singing songs with Catholic overtones. Their account has prompted complaints alleging racist violence and renewed attention to safety and tensions in the city.

The men, all around 25, say roughly two dozen people in black clothing surrounded and assaulted them last Saturday; they were hospitalised with broken facial bones. Four filed complaints with prosecutors, who are reviewing surveillance footage. The mayor condemned the violence, and the Diocese of Rouen expressed support for the victims.