Far-right shuts French rapper out of Bataclan attack site

PARIS – A popular French Muslim rapper says he’s cancelling sold-out October concerts at the Bataclan music hall in Paris, a target of the deadly 2015 terror attacks, due to pressure from far-right groups who claim he promotes a radical ideology and is desecrating a now-sacred site.

The announcement Friday by Medine came as far-right activists announced plans to try to keep concert-goers from entering the hall. The father of an attack victim joined them, stressing he was apolitical but wanted action.

The singer said on his Facebook and Twitter accounts that the activists’ goal was “to divide” the nation, and out of respect for victims’ families and concern for fans’ safety he was cancelling his Bataclan shows.

Since June, the right and far-right have waged a campaign to shut down Medine’s shows.