Controversial Rap Song Sparks Investigation Amid French Protests

A rap song by BORO700 has emerged during student protests in France, sparking controversy due to its references to jihadists involved in terror attacks. Students at a high school and a church were seen singing the track, titled “MRH,” which mentions Mohamed Merah and Salah Abdeslam, key figures in past attacks in France.

References to Historical Attacks

Mohamed Merah killed seven people, including children, during attacks in Toulouse in 2012, while Salah Abdeslam was involved in the 2015 Paris attacks, which resulted in 130 deaths. The Bataclan concert hall, where 90 of these victims died, is also mentioned in the song’s lyrics.

Legal and Public Reactions

The Orléans prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation for suspected “apology for terrorism.” This pertains to condoning or justifying terrorism or its actors, which constitutes a potential criminal act in France. Three minors were detained in connection with this. However, their intentions remain unclear.

The song also played during an incident in Soullans at Saint-Hilaire church. Authorities there urged a restrained and educational response, emphasizing that the young individuals might not fully grasp the impact of their actions.

Rapper BORO700’s Legal Troubles

BORO700 faces separate charges of apology for terrorism and a crime against humanity, with a court appearance scheduled for October 21. This case is unrelated to the student protests.

Protest Context

The song and protests coincide with ongoing demonstrations by high school students in France. Protests intensified since September 28, leading to school closures. Students express dissatisfaction over inadequate funding, lack of staff, and decaying infrastructure.

Amid this unrest, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu accused the political party La France Insoumise of stirring chaos ahead of elections. Although the videos featuring the song circulated widely, they don’t necessarily reflect the broader student protest movement’s views.

International Reactions

Former President Donald Trump commented on the protests, framing them around immigration issues. He claimed, without evidence, that the unrest signifies issues of “mass migration” in France.

The French government defended against such narratives, emphasizing their diplomatic efforts to present their perspective on the protests.