Posted on 04/15/2008 10:45:29 AM PDT by forkinsocket
PARIS (Reuters) - French former film star Brigitte Bardot went on trial on Tuesday for insulting Muslims, the fifth time she has faced the charge of "inciting racial hatred" over her controversial remarks about Islam and its followers.
Prosecutors asked that the Paris court hand the 73-year-old former sex symbol a two-month suspended prison sentence and fine her 15,000 euros ($23,760) for saying the Muslim community was "destroying our country and imposing its acts."
Since retiring from the film industry in the 1970s, Bardot has become a prominent animal rights activist but she has also courted controversy by denouncing Muslim traditions and immigration from predominantly Muslim countries.
She has been fined four times for inciting racial hatred since 1997, at first 1,500 euros and most recently 5,000.
Prosecutor Anne de Fontette told the court she was seeking a tougher sentence than usual, adding: "I am a little tired of prosecuting Mrs Bardot."
Bardot did not attend the trial because she said she was physically unable to. The verdict is expected in several weeks.
French anti-racist groups complained last year about comments Bardot made about the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha in a letter to President Nicolas Sarkozy that was later published by her foundation.
Muslims traditionally mark Eid al-Adha by slaughtering a sheep or another animal to commemorate the prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son on God's orders.
France is home to 5 million Muslims, Europe's largest Muslim community, making up 8 percent of France's population.
"I am fed up with being under the thumb of this population which is destroying us, destroying our country and imposing its acts," the star of 'And God created woman' and 'Contempt' said.
Bardot has previously said France is being invaded by sheep-slaughtering Muslims and published a book attacking gays, immigrants and the unemployed, in which she also lamented the "Islamisation of France."
Ms. Bardot is a French national treasure, and Prosecutor Anne de Fontette should quit farting out her nose.
I think if she toned down the makeup, it’s a little harsh for a lady her age, she’d look lots better.
Olive oil, it does a body good. :)
My bad.
YEH Whats wrong with saying she said? I have no problem with it.
there fixed it.
She looks like a 73 year old. Why is it that a woman just can’t grow old and own her wrinkles and turkey neck and everything else? Even if she doesn’t have her good looks, she still has her good sense.
Maybe she smokes. The french smoke alot.
That’s what I say - she spoke truth! So what’s the deal? We arrest people who tell the truth and allow those who lie to roam at will? It sure seems so in France.
If I buy copies of her old films does she get royalties? If yes I will be buying as many as I am able.
I think Prosecutor Anne de Fontette should be removed from office for prosecuting a French citizen for telling the truth. In truth, the prosecutors have just proved Ms. Bardot's remarks are factual. The Muslims must think they own France now if they can get a citizen prosecuted for exposing them. Shame on France for allowing this miscarriage of justice!
Yep. Aging woman that I am, I agree with you completely. And there’s a reason I don’t want people taking pictures of me. And I’m sure the Ms. Bardot doesn’t appreciate the “old age” pics that are being made public.
It’s her mind and her spirit that count.......not her looks.
She must be very ill.
Most women do not look like that in their early 70’s....and I should know. LOL
Ah yes , France home of liberty ..
It will get like that here when Obama wins..
That was Jane Fonda pre-treason, so it’s cool. :-)
Perhaps Jeanne d’Arc’s banner has passed to Brigitte, old and infirm, but speaking truth. For a long time she has tried to save animals she thought mistreated, and now her courage and intelligence may well save her beloved France. Heroes come from all walks of life! Godspeed, Citizen Bardot.
Thank you, I like her picture. And so what? She’s an old lady now, she’s allowed to look however she came out. I think she’s lovely because of her sharp mind and courage.
BB always has a place at my home.
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