Eric Zemmour, leader of the far-right Reconquête! party, was fined €10,000 by France's Court of Cassation for statements made concerning Nazi collaborator Philippe Petain, which most historians contest as factually inaccurate. Previously acquitted of similar charges, the top court's ruling emphasizes that Zemmour's claims might still constitute an offense, regardless of Petain's lack of conviction for crimes against humanity. Although Zemmour insists he did not aim to defend Petain, the legal scrutiny into his remarks indicates the enduring sensitivities connected to historical interpretations of World War II in France.
Zemmour was ordered to pay €10,000 for contesting crimes against humanity by claiming Philippe Petain 'saved' French Jews during WWII, an assertion contested by historians.
After the ruling, Zemmour stated he had 'at no time wished to defend Petain' and plans to appeal the decision made by the Court of Cassation.
The Court of Cassation determined that Zemmour's remarks might constitute an offense, emphasizing that even statements about a public figure can breach the law.
Despite previous lower court rulings in Zemmour's favor, the top court overturned his acquittal, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding denial of historical crimes.
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