France revokes Moroccan man’s residency for lighting cigarette at Arc de Triomphe
Flame Out: Frenchman Strips Moroccan of Residency After Cigarette Caper
A 47-year-old Moroccan man has lost his French residency after a video emerged showing him lighting a cigarette using the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe. The incident, widely condemned as deeply offensive, occurred Tuesday.
"An Act of Indecency and Disrespect"
French officials denounced the man's actions as "an act of indecency and disrespect" toward fallen soldiers and French national symbols.
“This is a blatant violation of a sacred site,” said one government representative. “Such acts will not be tolerated.”
The Moroccan, who has not been publicly identified, was immediately apprehended by authorities following the incident. His residency permit was revoked as part of swift action taken against what officials deemed a serious offense.