Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Man Lights Cigarette at War Memorial, Receives Suspended Sentence
Imagine a very important memorial for soldiers who died for France.
It has a flame that always burns to remember them.
One day, a man went there, lit his cigarette from the flame, and walked away.
People were very upset because it was seen as disrespectful.
The man was caught on video.
He said he was sorry and was under the influence of alcohol and medication.
A judge gave him a punishment: he has to go to treatment and got a fine.
Important people in the government were also upset, and said the man's actions hurt the memory of the soldiers who died for France.
A man lit a cigarette from the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris.
The incident was caught on video and widely shared, sparking public outrage.
The man, Hakim H, was given a three-month suspended sentence.
He was also fined one euro and ordered to seek treatment for addiction.
Officials condemned the act as a desecration and an insult.
- Who
- Hakim H, a 47-year-old man.
- What
- A man lit a cigarette from the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- When
- The incident happened on a Monday evening.
- Where
- Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
- Why
- The man acted under the influence of alcohol and medication.
Official Condemnation
Perpetrator's Apology
Nature of the Act
Official Condemnation
The act undermined the memory of those who died for France.
Perpetrator's Apology
The act was described as the 'stupidity of the century' by the perpetrator.
- Perpetrator
- Hakim H
- Age
- 47
- Location
- Paris, France
- Sentence
- 3-month suspended sentence
- Additional penalty
- One euro fine and mandatory treatment