French author Michel Houellebecq under investigation after statements about Muslims

French author Michel Houellebecq has been placed under investigation for complicity in inciting discrimination, hate, or violence due to remarks made about Muslims in late 2022. His controversial statements, made during an interview, suggested that Muslims pose a threat to the safety of native French people. The Union of Mosques in France filed a complaint against him and others in January 2023. Houellebecq's lawyers argue that his comments fall under freedom of speech and do not incite violence. He previously described his remarks as clumsy and acknowledged being a victim of his own naivety. Houellebecq is a prominent figure in literature, known for his provocative views and previous controversies regarding Islam.