French prosecutors investigate hate speech and violence on Facebook group

Paris prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into a Facebook group associated with a French media outlet, following the appearance of racist posts as well as calls for hatred and violence.

Prosecutors stated on Tuesday that the investigation was launched after a complaint was filed by a member of parliament on August 27. They added that the National Center for Combating Online Hate opened the probe on September 11, with the Central Office for Combating Hate Crimes assigned to handle the case.

The investigation covers suspected incitement to discrimination, public insults, death threats, and the circulation of dozens of doctored images, posts, and racist comments, in addition to calls for hatred, violence, and harassment.