ADVERTISEMENT

Farmer in the dock for aiding migrants

Two months earlier, he had been arrested for trying to smuggle eight Eritrean migrants by car from Italy into France.

French farmer Cedric Herrou (L) is one of three people to appear before the courts in southern France for assisting migrants fleeing war, poverty and persecution

Cedric Herrou, 37, has become something of a folk hero around the French-Italian border for driving migrants across the frontier, under the noses of the French police, and then putting them up.

He is one of three people in the area to appear in court recently for illegally assisting migrants travelling up through Europe after crossing the Mediterranean in rickety boats.

Their cases have pitched the spirit of solidarity against the letter of the law at a time when border controls and migration have become hot political issues.

ADVERTISEMENT

At his trial Wednesday in the southern city of Nice, the farmer struck an unrepentant tone.

"I'm doing it because there are people in need," he told the judge. "I'm doing it because it has to be done... Families are suffering."

Public prosecutor Jean-Michel Pretre called for Herrou to be given an eight-month suspended term, for his vehicle to be confiscated and for his driving licence to be restricted to driving only for professional use.

He accused Herrou of using the court as a "political platform" to justify his acts.

"We find ourselves in the situation of an intentional trial, the product of a media strategy designed to showcase a cause," Pretre said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"It's not the job of the judicial system to change law, and it's not its job to give lessons in diplomacy to such-and-such a country," he said.

Judgement is expected on February 10.

Herrou's olive farm sits in a valley near the frontier with Italy, near a popular route for migrants trying to skirt border controls established between the neighbours after last year's terror attacks in France.

Cutting a bohemian figure with his black beard, round glasses and flat cap, he claimed he was picking up the slack for "a state that put borders in place and is absolutely not managing the consequences."

Addressing hundreds of supporters outside the courthouse earlier, he declared: "If we have to break the law to help people, let's do it!"

ADVERTISEMENT

He has been outspoken in his criticism of France's response to the migrant crisis, accusing the police of detaining "thousands" of minors and dumping them back across the border in Italy.

Police regularly remove migrant youths from trains crossing into France and send them back to Italy. Cars crossing the frontier are also frequently checked.

In October, Herrou led a group of activists who occupied a disused holiday village belonging to state railway company SNCF and opened it up to a group of migrants who had been staying on his farm.

Police intervened after three days to evacuate the makeshift camp, arresting the farmer.

Activist or Good Samaritan?

ADVERTISEMENT

That case was later dropped, with prosecutors acknowledging that he acted on humanitarian grounds.

But they have since taken a less indulgent view.

Herrou said he began helping migrants when he saw them "walking along the road" around 18 months ago.

At first, he would give them a lift to the local station but when immigration controls were beefed up in the region after last year's terror attacks he began taking them deeper inside French territory.

"And then a citizens' network was established," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

In court he admitted his actions were "political", designed to shine a light on the state's migrant policies.

"Even if you convict me, the problem will continue," he argued.

In October, a researcher at the University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis, was tried for giving a lift to three Eritrean women near Nice, shortly after their arrival from Italy.

The ruling in the researcher's case is expected Friday. Prosecutors have called for a six-month suspended sentence.

In December, a 73-year-old academic, also living in the area, was fined 1,500 euros ($1,570) for a similar gesture.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT