"You stink of kebab": The racism scandal shaking France

The publication of body camera footage from municipal police officers in Carcassonne, France, has revealed severe racist remarks, including slurs and comparisons of Black people to monkeys. The officers have been suspended and an investigation has been opened. The patrol commander, a former paratrooper, was identified as responsible for most of the statements.

The publication of body camera footage from municipal police officers in Carcassonne, France, has revealed severe racist remarks. The footage, recorded on November 6, 2025, was captured accidentally when one officer believed the camera was off. The officers were heard using slurs, comparing Black people to "monkeys," and expressing hatred towards women and the left. The patrol commander, aged 50 and a former paratrooper, was identified as responsible for nearly 90% of the offensive statements. He volunteered in the internal security unit of the far-right party "National Rally." Following the uproar, the involved officers were suspended, and the Carcassonne municipality condemned the remarks as "unacceptable." The investigation has been ongoing since January 2026.