French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the revocation of residency for a man who lit a cigarette using the flame from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Monday, August 4, in Paris.
The suspect, a 47-year-old Moroccan national and homeless individual, held legal status in France until October 2025. He was arrested on Tuesday around 6 PM on Boulevard de l’Armée (17th arrondissement of Paris). Initially, the individual, identified as “Hamdi Hakim,” denied responsibility for the incident but soon admitted to the actions attributed to him.
He faces charges of “violating a grave or memorial dedicated to the memory of the deceased,” a crime that could result in a one-year prison sentence and a fine of up to €15,000. The suspect remained in police custody until Wednesday afternoon.
The case began after a video circulated on social media on Monday evening, showing the man lighting a cigarette with the flame from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe. According to “Le Figaro,” the video was recorded by a Latvian tourist before 9 PM and was first posted on TikTok. The tourist, who identified herself as the videographer, stated, “He didn’t seem to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs; rather, he was fully aware of what he was doing and proud of it.”
A French report highlighted that the act was considered an insult to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which serves as a national symbol honoring soldiers who sacrificed their lives for France. The decision to revoke the suspect’s residency underscores the seriousness with which French authorities address actions that disrespect national symbols.
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