Communiqué – Inalco University condemns hate speech and calls for violence

Some, on an account featuring imagery associated with a paramilitary group, are calling for the school to be freed by force. Others, on an account linked to the blockade itself, have, amongst other extreme statements, posted the slogan ‘ death to the gwers ’ and the acronym ‘ PLB ’, also accompanied by violent imagery. It is against this backdrop, and in order to prevent any escalation in the vicinity, that the school took the decision to close on 9 and 10 November.

As soon as it became aware of these comments and references, the institution reported them to the public prosecutor under Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and to the Pharos platform, which deals with online hate speech and acts. An investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators, and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated if they are members of the institution.

Inalco University reiterates that it unreservedly and without distinction condemns any call for violence and hatred, regardless of the perpetrators, the causes they claim to represent or the individuals targeted. It rejects any conflation of these acts with the causes championed by the current social movement and calls on its entire community to reject them with equal firmness.

Inalco University is a place where students learn about the world’s languages and societies, their history and the history of their conflicts. We are well aware of the implications of references to crimes and of discourse that dehumanises. Such things have no place within or around our institution. We will not allow a few anonymous individuals to speak on behalf of a community that, every day, chooses dialogue, hospitality and pluralism, nor will we allow ourselves to be trapped by the divisive and hateful rhetoric that such messages seek to impose. The institution remains committed to ensuring that its activities can resume as soon as respect for everyone and the safety of all are guaranteed.