Caen investigation launched over terrorist and war crime glorification

Authorities in Calvados, France, have opened an investigation into the glorification of terrorism and war crimes following viral social media videos. The footage, filmed in October 2026, shows individuals wearing football jerseys emblazoned with the names of Adolf Hitler, Osama bin Laden, and Abdelhak Merah in front of high schools in Caen and Hérouville-Saint-Clair.

In addition to the controversial attire, the videos reportedly depict acts of vandalism against school property, insults directed at law enforcement and educational staff, and the use of pyrotechnics. The Prefect of Calvados, David Clavière, referred the matter to the public prosecutor, emphasizing that social media anonymity does not exempt individuals from legal responsibility.

A 16-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the investigation. He reportedly admitted to wearing a jersey with the name ‘Ben Laden’ and facing charges related to participating in a group intended to commit violence or property damage, as well as insulting a school principal and police officers. The teenager is scheduled to appear before a judge in December.