CNews controversy: Jean-Claude Dassier’s comments on Maghrebis spark Arcom referral

During a debate on the news channel, Jean-Claude Dassier argued for a “tougher” foreign policy toward the Maghreb. Asked about the handling of foreign prisoners, he stated: “We throw them into… We put them in the Mediterranean,” leaving the studio stunned.

On Bladi.net : Former French Media Executive Fined for Anti-Muslim Comments

Doubling down on his statements, the columnist claimed that “Algeria doesn’t want them, Tunisia doesn’t want them, Morocco doesn’t want them.” He later attempted to justify his wording by referring to the need to “send all of this back to the countries of origin.”

The organization Alertes Racisme referred the matter to the French Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom), condemning a segment in which foreigners were treated “like animals.” The columnist had already been convicted in 2022 of “public insult” after making anti-Muslim comments.

On Bladi.net : Arno Klarsfeld and the "roundups" of immigrants on CNews: the justice system seized

This segment adds to a series of warnings issued to CNews, which was recently hit by two new financial penalties from Arcom in August 2025. The channel is regularly criticized for the content of the speeches delivered during its political programs.