A retired French general who took part in a protest against migrants in the northern port of Calais has been stripped of his right to wear his uniform, the defence ministry said Thursday.
Christian Piquemal, a former head of the French Foreign Legion, defied the authorities on February 6 by addressing a banned demonstration against the makeshift “Jungle” camp housing thousands of migrants hoping to reach Britain.
Around 100 people, some shouting “This is our land” and “Migrants out”, attended the rally organised by a local chapter of the anti-migrant German movement Pegida. Several people were arrested.
The retired four-star general later expressed “regret” over his involvement in the rally.
“I merely wanted to take part in an exchange of views,” said Piquemal, 75.
A criminal court in May cleared him on charges of being an organiser of the demonstration.
But the defence ministry took a dim view of what it saw as his breach of his duty as a soldier to remain politically neutral.
Confirming Piquemal’s punishment, the ministry said he had been stripped of his military status, which includes his right to wear his uniform and enjoy military benefits.
Piquemal, who keeps his rank, has vowed to appeal the decision.