Although the French Constitutional Council ruled that, in the name of the “Principle of Brotherhood” no one can be prosecuted for helping migrants, caring and responsible French citizens are still being condemned. Indeed, judges render their decisions on the base of the safeguarding of the public order principle, also deemed constitutional. The newly “Asylum and Immigration” French bill confirms the relaxation of the punishment but does not abolish it. To avoid sanction, the citizen’s action should be guided by humanitarian reasons only, i.e. if the rescued refugee faces immediate danger. Activists like teacher Pierre-Alain Mannoni and farmer Cédric Herrou, whose trial led to the Constitutional Council’s ruling, are still facing judgment.

Briançon’s Refuge Solidaire, that shelters migrants who have successfully crossed the Italian border, is facing closure since the new mayor refuses to renew the lease. This promise made during his election campaign underlines the rift between this little town’s pro and anti-migrants. You can sign the petition to protect the refuge here.