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French Foreign Legion ex-chief due in court over Calais protest French Foreign Legion ex-chief bailed over Calais protest
(about 5 hours later)
A former commander of the French Foreign Legion is due to appear in court accused of helping to organise a banned anti-Islam rally in Calais. A former commander of the French Foreign Legion, arrested at a banned anti-Islam rally in Calais on Saturday, has been released on bail.
Gen Christian Piquemal was among a dozen people arrested on Saturday after clashes between police and supporters of the anti-Islamic group Pegida. Gen Christian Piquemal had been due to appear in court in Boulogne accused of helping to organise the rally, but the hearing was postponed to 12 May.
One of his lawyers suggested that Gen Piquemal, who is in his 70s, was suffering from poor health.
Gen Piquemal was one of several people arrested at the rally.
Police had told supporters of the anti-Islamic group Pegida to disperse, and then fired tear gas to break them up.
They were taking part in a Europe-wide demonstration against what they say is the Islamisation of the continent.They were taking part in a Europe-wide demonstration against what they say is the Islamisation of the continent.
Police had told protesters to leave and then fired tear gas to break them up. The northern port city of Calais is home to thousands of asylum seekers who are living in a camp known as the "Jungle" while they try to slip illegally into the UK.
The northern port city of Calais is home to thousands of asylum-seekers who are living in a camp known as the "Jungle" while they try to slip illegally into the UK. News of Gen Piquemal's release on Monday was greeted with cheers by a group of his supporters gathered outside the court in Boulogne. They than sang the French national anthem.
Gen Piquemal, who commanded the elite French Foreign Legion for five years, is accused of playing a "principal role" in organising the illegal demonstration. He could face up to a year in prison and a heavy fine if found guilty.Gen Piquemal, who commanded the elite French Foreign Legion for five years, is accused of playing a "principal role" in organising the illegal demonstration. He could face up to a year in prison and a heavy fine if found guilty.
Four others are also due to appear in the court in Boulogne in connection with the protest.
Gen Piquemal was one of about 150 Pegida supporters who had gathered in Calais chanting slogans such as "We must not let Calais die" and "Calais is part of France".Gen Piquemal was one of about 150 Pegida supporters who had gathered in Calais chanting slogans such as "We must not let Calais die" and "Calais is part of France".
At the time of his arrest, Gen Piquemal said he was "shocked" that officers had broken up the protest during the singing of the national anthem.At the time of his arrest, Gen Piquemal said he was "shocked" that officers had broken up the protest during the singing of the national anthem.
"I expected you to be at attention, singing with us but not one of you opened your mouth," he told them."I expected you to be at attention, singing with us but not one of you opened your mouth," he told them.
French authorities had banned all rallies in Calais "regardless of the organisers".French authorities had banned all rallies in Calais "regardless of the organisers".