Overview

• Jean-Michel Aphatie compared the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane to French colonial violence in Algeria during a February 25 broadcast on RTL, sparking widespread criticism.
• RTL characterized the remarks as 'inappropriate' and announced Aphatie's temporary removal from the station, with a potential return next week.
• The remarks have led to political backlash, with figures from the right and far-right condemning the comparison as offensive and historically inaccurate.
• Aphatie has defended his comments, citing support from historians regarding the documented violence during France's colonial rule in Algeria.
• The media regulator Arcom has opened an investigation into the incident following multiple complaints about the broadcast.