Zilan P Nhene
Conservative magazine Valeurs Actuelles of France on August 29 caused outrage when it published a picture of black MP Danielle Obono of the party France Unbowed with iron chains tied on his neck.
Valeurs Actuelles, a magazine with content for right and far-right readers, posted a picture of Congressman Obono with iron chains tied to his neck to illustrate a seven-page story.
President Emmanuel Macron has led a wave of protest against the actions of the Valeurs Actuelles.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex declared it a "rebellious publication to condemn" and said the government supports Obono.
Attorney General Eric Dupond-Moretti noted that while hateful words are legitimate, they still deserve condemnation.
MP Obono during a session of the French parliament in March Photo: AFP.
The anti-racism agency SOS Racisme said there is a growing hostility towards African and Arab politicians in France and they will consider legal measures to limit the situation.
Valeurs Actuelles magazine denies its publication is racist, calling the story of Congressman Obono "a work of fiction ... but not evil".
France in June and July saw a number of protests against racism and police violence, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and the deaths of American citizens.
