French prosecutors in Grenoble opened a public incitement to hatred investigation on Saturday, August 15, after a video showed a shopkeeper at Les Deux Alpes making antisemitic remarks to a customer.
The Grenoble prosecutor's office announced the inquiry into public incitement to hatred or violence based on origin or religion after footage posted on social media platform X by the account Jugé coupable quickly went viral online.
In the brief video recording, the owner of a refreshment stall at the mountain resort confronted a visitor about his Jewish faith, telling him that the Jewish community was too numerous and stating that at a certain point people get fed up.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed on X that the National Gendarmerie launched an inquiry in coordination with prosecutors immediately after the footage was brought to his attention. Nuñez said the individual involved would have to answer for statements that have no place in the French Republic.
Minister Delegate for the Fight against Discrimination Aurore Bergé also condemned the comments in an official statement, emphasizing that no antisemitic act, racist act, or act of hate would be tolerated in France.
Police interview shopkeeper
The Grenoble prosecutor's office stated that the suspect was questioned by law enforcement on Saturday and acknowledged making the statements while explaining the context in which they occurred. Authorities took no immediate legal measures against the business owner following her interview because investigators still need to question witnesses.
Les Deux Alpes is a high-altitude mountain resort in the Isère department of southeastern France, located in the French Alps and managed administratively under the judicial jurisdiction of Grenoble. Like several other alpine resorts in the region, the area is a popular summer holiday destination for members of the Orthodox Jewish community.
On Saturday evening, the town hall of Les Deux Alpes posted a statement on Facebook reiterating its commitment to values of openness, respect, and inclusion. Local authorities added that investigators are still working to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
