Vergennes
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Four German tourists face prosecution after raising a Nazi flag just next to the famous Omaha beach where the allies landed on the 6th june 1944.
"They initially said they wanted to mark the day properly, sticking to history," said an investigating source in Normandy.
"It was a commemoration of sorts, because the area was full of German camps in the 40s, but it caused an enormous amount of anger and hurt."
Ludovic Vautier, who runs the Vierville camp, told Ouest France newspaper that he was first alerted to what happened by a colleague.
"My blood was boiling," he said. "I immediately went to see the group and asked them to remove the object.
"They did so without any problem, and told me they did not know it was forbidden. I alerted the gendarmes, because to begin with I didn’t know who I was dealing with."
The Germans were in their 40s, and had no previous convictions for pro-Nazi activity, Mr Vautier added.
They said they had bought the flag in a wartime memorabilia shop of the region, along with a German Army uniform from the war.
According to our colleagues, the Germans recognized "a big mistake and apologized." I am not totally convinced but at the same time, I have no reason not to believe them, "said the manager.
If convicted,they could face a fine of €1,500. They'll face trial in september.
All forms of Nazi insignia – including uniforms – are banned in public places in France, except if they are being used in a film or play.
https://www.ouest-france.fr/normand...dans-leur-mobile-home-6391009?connection=true
