Arson Attack on Halal Grocery Store in France; Swastikas Found at Scene

The KO Market food halal grocery store, located in the Redon business park in Bon-Encontre in Lot-et-Garonne, was ravaged by fire during the night of Saturday, January 29 to Sunday, January 30, 2022. No loss of human life is to be deplored. According to the investigators, it is a case of arson. The inverted swastikas discovered on the facade of the establishment are evidence of this.

"The criminal act is beyond doubt. But the investigation will have to determine whether it is an extremist act carried out against this halal business," said a police officer to La Dépêche. The Agen public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation for "destruction by dangerous means for persons", with the aggravating circumstance that the facts were committed "on account of race, ethnicity, origin or religion".