The manager of a mini-market recently decided to ban women wearing the veil from entering his store. This sparked outrage on social networks and an investigation was opened for "unlawful refusal to sell" and "discrimination".
Thursday, October 29, the owner of a store "Vival" in Nîmes has affixed on its window a poster prohibiting the entry of veiled women in his convenience store. "From this day, any veiled person will not be allowed to enter the store.", could we read on the paper as mentioned Free Midi. The manager had also shared his message via his account Facebook by ensuring that he assumed the consequences.
The photo circulated widely on social networks and did not fail to arouse outrage. Internet users have notably called for a boycott of the mini-market. "A shame! A complaint will be filed for Islamophobia!", "Place to avoid, the manager is an Islamophobe totally deprived of intelligence. I hope this case will go to justice", could we read on Twitter.
The Casino group, which owns the sign, also quickly reacted via the social network by affirming that it strongly condemned the poster. "This is a personal initiative that goes against the values of the brand. We have done what is necessary to have everything removed", the group said. Its communications director, Melek Kocabicak, said Casino had contacted the store manager in Nîmes to order him to remove the poster and delete his social media posts."We respond individually to each customer who calls us on this matter, by tweet, by email or by phone.", she assured.
Melek Kocabicak added that "the Casino group will take legal measures concerning our contractual relations with the franchisee."
As the shop window of the mini-market was grazed, she revealed that the sign "also condemns all acts of violence whatsoever, against people and property. This trader realized the seriousness of his act. He receives many threats. We also call for the responsibility of everyone so that their integrity is physically preserved. "
As for the president of the Licra du Gard, Patrice Bilgorai, he condemned "with the greatest firmness the approach of this trader that I consider obviously discriminatory. It is a complete confusion with the principles of secularism to which we are particularly attached. We are going to get closer to the public prosecutor's office which opened investigation".
This Friday, October 30, the Nîmes prosecutor's office opened a Preliminary investigation this friday for "discrimination and refusal to sell".