French Comedian Faces Ban for Controversial Nazi Salute

According to reports, French authorities may ban a one-man show by the controversial French comedian Dieudonné M'bala M'bala (known as Dieudonné), whose downward Nazi salute was performed during an English Premier League football match by his friend Nicolas Anelka.

Dieudonné denies that it is antisemitic and racist. He claims that it combines a downward Nazi salute with an obscene gesture meaning "up yours." Anelka made the gesture during a game which was broadcast on French television. It is now being investigated by the Football Association.

Valérie Fourneyron, sports minister, said Anelka's gesture was a "shocking and sickening provocation".

Anelka described his gesture on Twitter as "a special dedication to my friend Dieudonné". The French interior minister says he will seek a legal ban on the comedian's shows, claiming public threat. Valls said: "Freedom of expression is sacred, but racism and antisemitism are crimes."

Dieudonné has been fined and was ordered to pay €28,000. Read the full article here.