Several representatives of associations or identity activists of Reunion appeared this Thursday before the criminal court of Saint-Denis for "provocation to discrimination because of the origin". They would have criticized, with sometimes hateful words, a university student from Vendée who had been appointed to a local post. The court decision will be made on September 3.
They demanded the appointment of a Reunionese
In June 2006, after a competition from the University of La Réunion, Virginie Chaillou-Atrous was appointed lecturer in "History of slavery, engagement and the economy of the colonies in the South Islands" Western Indian Ocean in the 18th and 19th centuries ”. She ranked first, before a university student from Reunion.
His appointment had angered some associations and some local academics who wanted the appointment of Reunionese. The assignment of Virginie Chaillou-Atrous was finally canceled by the administrative court for irregularities in the recruitment procedure.
But after comments deemed "hateful" on blogs and social networks, the academic has filed criminal charges for "defamation", "public insults" and "provocation to discrimination because of origin".
They assume their words in court
Six people, representatives of associations, identity activists and the director of a website, were prosecuted. At the helm, they assumed. "While senior Reunion graduates do not find work, we choose the hexagonal preference," said Ghislaine Mithra, from the Rasin Kaf association (black roots). "We are criticized for the word" zorey "(Metropolitan), it is not an insult, it is a term commonly used in Reunionese society, in the same way as kaf (Black) or malbar (Indian)", she added.
In a message, Virginie Chaillou-Atrous was described as "zorey imbued with her skills". "It is arrogant and contemptuous to come and treat people like this, after a decision to suspend the candidacy," said Erick Murin of the Representative Council of Black Associations.
"She defends her honor and reputation"
"Virginie Chaillou-Atrous does not defend a position here, she defends her honor and reputation," argued Caroline Chane, counsel for the complainant, absent from the hearing. "We called her the" Nantaise ", she is from Vendée. She lives in Challans, not in Nantes. But Challans is less of a seller than Nantes or Bordeaux, there was no slave trade port in Challans ”.
"Some of the comments made constitute criminal offenses, at least insults," said the prosecutor, without taking the requisition. The defense pleaded for release.
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