Michel Houellebecq has heard the charge. The case concerns statements about Islam

French author Michel Houellebecq faces legal charges for inciting discrimination and violence based on ethnicity and religion. The investigation follows complaints from the French Mosque Union and the Movement Against Racism and for Friendship Between Peoples, regarding his controversial statements in a November 2022 interview. Houellebecq claimed that migrants are gradually displacing native Europeans, predicting potential violence against mosques. He denies the accusations, asserting his right to free speech. If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros. This is not his first legal challenge; he was previously acquitted of similar charges in 2002.