Overview
- Prosecutors said the men, aged 35 and 53, were detained near Calais while live-streaming and placed in custody on suspicion of inciting hatred and participating in a group preparing acts of violence.
- Authorities described the detentions as the first arrests of British far-right activists in France on these specific grounds, noting the suspects are not accused of physical assaults.
- Police and internal security services enforced sweeping bans on gatherings between Calais and Dunkirk linked to the ‘Operation Overlord’ campaign, with the orders extended through Wednesday.
- The detainees are expected to be ordered to leave France and could be held in administrative detention before deportation, according to local officials.
- Activist Daniel Thomas posted footage from French beaches despite the ban and, according to the prefecture, has not been arrested, while officials noted the two arrested men were not among ten Britons barred from French territory earlier in January.