Man Faces Deportation After Lighting Cigarette at Arc de Triomphe Eternal Flame
A man seen lighting a cigarette at the Eternal Flame of the Unknown Soldier beneath Paris’s Arc de Triomphe is facing legal action and the revocation of his residence permit, French officials confirmed Tuesday, as reported by 20minutes.
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, sparked outrage. In the footage, the man crouches beside the memorial, dedicated to those who died fighting for France, and calmly lights his cigarette before walking away, as stunned tourists look on.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin condemned the act as «shameful and disgraceful,» stating it dishonours the memory of fallen soldiers.
«Following a report from the Paris police prefect, the individual will be brought to justice,» a spokesperson for senator Bruno Retailleau told TF1 Info.
Patricia Mirallès, Minister Delegate for Veterans and Remembrance, also referred the case to prosecutors, calling the act
«an unacceptable show of indecency» and adding, «France’s memory will not be trampled with impunity.»
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