French farmer faces risk of prison for helping migrants
Published:Wednesday | January 4, 2017 | 12:00 AM
NICE (AP):
A French activist farmer faces up to five years in prison as he goes on trial accused of helping African migrants cross the border from Italy.
The case has called attention to residents of the Roya valley in the Alps and others who have resisted anti-migrant sentiment and are offering food, lodging or other aid to people from impoverished or war-torn countries coming to Europe illegally.
Cedric Herrou was slated to go on trial yesterday in Nice on charges of helping illegal migrants enter France, travel in France and stay in France. Activists plan a rally nearby.
In addition to potential prison time, he faces €30,000 in possible fines.
Herrou said he was doing his civic duty and will keep helping the migrants, who are mainly from Eritrea and Sudan.