Far-Right Motivated Killings Compel French Authorities to Rethink Terrorism Classification

Hichem Miraoui, a Tunisian barber in France, was killed in a racially motivated attack by Christophe Belgembe, who also shot Kurdish neighbor Akif Badur. France's anti-terror prosecutor is treating the case as a terrorist attack, highlighting a rise in far-right crimes and a shift in counter-terrorism focus.

A racially charged murder in France has prompted authorities to treat it as a terrorist act for the first time, highlighting a worrying rise in far-right extremism. Hichem Miraoui, a Tunisian barber, was shot dead by neighbor Christophe Belgembe, who also wounded Kurdish resident Akif Badur.

Belgembe's actions were broadcast on social media, revealing vitriolic statements against immigrants and support for far-right groups. Charged with racially motivated terrorism by France's anti-terror prosecutor's office, PNAT, the case is indicative of the nation's shifting focus from jihadist to far-right crimes.

The decision to class the crime as terrorism has been welcomed by Muslim leaders and anti-racism advocates, though allegations persist that French authorities are slow to classify far-right attacks under terrorism laws. Amid rising xenophobic crimes, there's a growing call for systemic recognition of racially motivated violence as terrorism.

(With inputs from agencies.)