French court bans parents from naming their child after a notorious terrorist

Forum 7 years ago

French court bans parents from naming their child after a notorious terrorist

Authorities in France have stopped a couple from naming their baby after Mohammed Merah, a terrorist who killed seven people in 2012.

The self-proclaimed Al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist, Mohammed Merah (Picture above) killed three soldiers, shot three Jewish schoolchildren, and murdered a rabbi in the city of Toulouse

"Everyone knows that Mohamed Merah is the name of the person who in 2012 was behind the terrorist acts in Toulouse and Montauban," Nice prosecutor Jean-Michel Prêtre said during a case looking into the name choice after it was flagged by the registrar.
"We consider that this would pose difficulties for the child and bring prejudices against him."
It's not clear whether the family was deliberate in naming their child after a known terrorist but Prêtre said an investigation would be launched to "determine the motives".

Parents in France can name their children whatever they like but registrars can take action if they think the name could subject the child to mockery, or cause lasting issues.