74-Year-Old Man to Be Judged for Egg Attack on Jordan Bardella at Moissac Book Signing

Jean-Paul M., 74, faces court for attacking National Rally leader Jordan Bardella by smashing an egg on his head during a book signing, fueling political controversy.

    Key details

  • • Jean-Paul M. will be judged for egging Jordan Bardella during a book signing in Moissac.
  • • He expressed regret and claimed he did not intend to cause harm.
  • • He was held in custody and faces charges of violence against a public authority.
  • • The attacker has a prior conviction for a similar egg attack on Eric Zemmour.

Jean-Paul M., a 74-year-old farmer, is set to appear in court on December 2 at the Montauban judicial court, charged with "voluntary violence against a public authority person" after smashing an egg on the head of Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally (RN), during a book signing event in Moissac, Tarn-et-Garonne, on November 29. The act was preceded by Jean-Paul M. purchasing Bardella's book "Ce que veulent les Français" the day before, indicating premeditation.

Following the incident, he was arrested by gendarmes and held in police custody for nearly 48 hours. During his custody, he admitted to bringing an egg and confetti to the event but expressed regret, asserting he did not intend to harm Bardella. Prosecutor Bruno Sauvage requested provisional detention. Authorities found no links between Jean-Paul M. and an anti-RN protest occurring simultaneously. His attorney emphasized he is not affiliated with any political party or extreme left movement.

This article was translated and synthesized from French sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.

Source comparison

Duration of custody

Sources disagree on the duration of custody before the court appearance.

lefigaro.fr

"he was arrested by gendarmes and placed in police custody for 'violence against a public authority person without incapacity.' During his custody, which was extended for 24 hours."

liberation.fr

"Following his arrest, he was held in custody for nearly 48 hours."

Why this matters: One source states the man was held for nearly 48 hours, while the other mentions a 24-hour extension of custody. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the timeline surrounding the incident and legal proceedings.

Prosecutor's request

Sources differ on the prosecutor's request following the custody period.

lefigaro.fr

"The prosecutor's office noted that no link was found between him and an anti-RN protest occurring at the same time."

liberation.fr

"the prosecutor, Bruno Sauvage, requested provisional detention."

Why this matters: One source mentions that the prosecutor requested provisional detention, while the other does not specify this request. This difference could influence the perceived severity of the legal response to the incident.

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