A man was caught on video lighting his cigarette from the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He was given a three-month suspended prison sentence, according to Ireland’s National Public Service Multi-Media Organisation, Raidió Teilifís Éireann.
The man, Hakim H, is 47 years old and works as a construction worker. He lives in Normandy but works in Paris. A Paris court found him guilty of disrespecting this important monument. During the quick trial, Hakim admitted what he did and called it “the stupidity of the century.”
He said, “I deeply regret this and I am sorry to all French people.” He also cried in court and explained that he was under the influence of alcohol and medicine when he did it.
Video Causes Outrage
The incident happened on Monday evening. Many people saw the video on social media and were very upset. In the video, Hakim stepped over barriers, bent down, lit his cigarette from the eternal flame (which has been burning since 1923), and calmly walked away while tourists watched.
Officials React
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau spoke out on social media (X, formerly Twitter) saying this was “an unworthy and deplorable act that disrespects those who died for France.”
Veterans Minister Patricia Miralles called it a serious insult and said, “France will never accept anyone disrespecting the memory of those who died for her. This is not just a mistake, it is a desecration.”
Why the Memorial is Important
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is under the Arc de Triomphe and is France’s main tribute to soldiers who died in wars. It holds the body of an unknown soldier from World War I. The eternal flame, lit in 1923, represents respect and remembrance for those who gave their lives.
