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Man Arrested After Using Arc de Triomphe’s Eternal Flame to Light Cigarette

Having confessed, he is subject to a judicial inquiry that could lead to imprisonment, up to €15,000 in fines or revocation of his residence permit.

Les images virales d'un homme allumant sa cigarette avec la flamme du Soldat inconnu
La flamme du Soldat inconnu sous l'Arc de triomphe à Paris, le 27 avril 2025.
Image
L'individu qui a allumé sa cigarette avec la flamme de la tombe du Soldat inconnu a été pointé du doigt par plusieurs membres du gouvernement. 

Overview

  • A video of the man kneeling over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’s flame to light a cigarette went viral, triggering widespread public and political denunciation.
  • Paris police filed an Article 40 report and the Paris public prosecutor opened an inquiry for violation of sepulture under Article 225-17 of the Penal Code.
  • The suspect, a Moroccan national, was arrested in Paris on August 6, placed in custody and acknowledged the facts, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced.
  • Under Article 225-17, he faces up to one year in prison and a €15,000 fine, and Retailleau has signaled plans to revoke his residence permit.
  • The incident underscores the eternal flame’s role as a national symbol since 1923 and illustrates how social media can amplify perceived desecrations and prompt rapid legal response.