Following Algeria’s victory in the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations, a gathering of Algerian supporters in the Guillotière district of Lyon, France, on Sunday evening led to a formal report to the Public Prosecutor. The report concerns Franco-Algerian influencer Sofia Benlemmane and other supporters who allegedly chanted a provocative slogan during the celebration.
Celebration and Subsequent Report
Approximately 150 supporters gathered in Lyon after Algeria’s win in the group stage of the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations. Among those present was Sofia Benlemmane, who, according to a video circulating on social media, chanted, “Vous nous avez colonisés, maintenant vous êtes dans la merde […] Le pays est le nôtre, on fait ce qu’on veut” – “You colonized us, now you are in the mess […] The country is ours, we do what we want.”
Prefect of the Rhône, Fabienne Buccio, has indicated she has formally referred the matter to the Public Prosecutor using Article 40, citing the nature of the statements made.
Previous Incidents Involving Benlemmane
This is not the first time Sofia Benlemmane has been involved in legal issues. In the spring, she was placed in custody after declaring “N*** ta mère toi et ta France” and “j’espère que tu seras tuée, j’espère qu’ils vont te tuer” – “F*** your mother, you and France” and “I hope you are killed, I hope they kill you” – statements for which she was convicted.
Prior to these incidents, Benlemmane, a former football player, received a seven-month suspended prison sentence and a three-year stadium ban in 2001 for entering the pitch at the Stade de France with an Algerian flag during a France-Algeria friendly match.
Sunday’s gathering disrupted traffic in the Guillotière district, and authorities reported that fireworks were set off and projectiles were thrown at police. Law enforcement responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the report to the Public Prosecutor?
The report was prompted by the chanting of a slogan – “Vous nous avez colonisés, maintenant vous êtes dans la merde […] Le pays est le nôtre, on fait ce qu’on veut” – by Sofia Benlemmane and other supporters during a celebration of Algeria’s victory.
Has Sofia Benlemmane faced legal consequences before?
Yes, Sofia Benlemmane was previously sentenced to nine months of suspended imprisonment for threatening opponents of the Algerian regime and received a seven-month suspended sentence in 2001 for entering the field of play with an Algerian flag.
How did authorities respond to the gathering in Lyon?
Authorities responded to the gathering by dispersing the crowd with tear gas after fireworks were set off and projectiles were thrown at police.
What factors might influence the Public Prosecutor’s decision regarding this case?