A rebirth of nationalism on the island of beauty? The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (Pnat) announced to AFP on wednesday that it had started investigations into the fire and explosion that damaged a house of Corsican residents in Olmeto (Southern Corsica) on the night between Saturday and Sunday.
The inquiry was opened on Sunday for “participation in a correctional terrorist criminal association” and “degradation of other people’s property by means dangerous to people in relation to a terrorist enterprise”, the Pnat specified.”the investigations are ongoing and covered by investigative secrecy,” he underlined.
Several tags “FLNC” or “corsican language, living language” (Corsican language, living language) were noticed on the walls of the house, Ajaccio prosecutor Nicolas Septe said on Sunday, adding that no one was injured.
“Unknown to police”
The first findings allowed the deminers to find a gas cylinder near the house, “which could explain the phenomenon of the explosion of the house due to saturation of the air in the house during the fire”, he added.
The owners of the house are “unknown to the police. it would be a Corsican couple who have always lived there”,according to Nicolas Septe. Saying she was “nausea”, the mother of the owner of the house that was blown up, Antonietta Lucchinacci, denounced on Facebook “this pathetic and fearful act” against a family whose children attend “bilingual classes and speak Corsican”, inviting “all nationalist movements to have the courage and honesty to formalize one’s positions” on these facts.
The two autonomist parties have condemned these “unjustifiable” facts, the separatists of the Core in Fronte have given their support to the family as has the independence party Nazione, in favor of the armed struggle, which sees in these facts a possible “gross manipulation”.
This event comes at a time when several demonstrations and movement blockades have recently taken place in Corsica,interspersed with incidents with the police. Numerous nationalist student unions protest against the decision to ban the course from the island’s assembly with the slogan “Corsican language, living language”.
In mid-November, the Administrative Court of Appeal of Marseille banned the use of the corsican language in the debates of the Corsican assembly because it was contrary to the Constitution, much to the dismay of Corsican autonomist elected representatives who intend to appeal to the Council of State.
What are the main factors contributing to the rise of nationalism in Corsica today?
Interview with Dr.Emilie Gérard, Political Scientist Specializing in Corsican nationalism
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gérard. Recent events in Corsica, including the fire adn explosion in Olmeto, seem to underscore a resurgence of nationalism on the island. Can you provide some context on what is happening?
Dr. Emilie Gérard: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The incident in Olmeto, which has prompted the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (Pnat) to launch an examination, indicates a troubling intersection of violence and nationalist sentiment in Corsica. We’re observing allegations of terrorist activities tied to nationalist groups, which raises significant concerns about both public safety and the future of Corsican autonomy.
Time.news Editor: What were the specific findings from the investigation?
Dr. Emilie Gérard: The Pnat has opened the inquiry based on “participation in a correctional terrorist criminal association” and “degradation of other people’s property by means hazardous to people in relation to a terrorist enterprise.” The presence of tags reading “FLNC” and references to the Corsican language, which is deeply tied to identity here, suggests a possible nationalist motivation behind the act. It’s notable that no injuries were reported, but the implications run deep.
Time.news Editor: It truly seems like the situation sparked a range of reactions from local leaders and the community.
Dr. Emilie Gérard: Yes, indeed. The mother of the house’s owner expressed her outrage on social media, condemning the act as “pathetic and fearful.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the Corsican community, particularly as the region grapples with its identity and linguistic rights. Politically, both of Corsica’s main autonomist parties have condemned the violence, highlighting a split even among nationalist movements regarding this approach. While some factions support armed struggle, others view such actions as counterproductive.
Time.news Editor: How do these events relate to the recent protests regarding the Corsican language and its status?
Dr. Emilie Gérard: The tension has been exacerbated by recent rulings that banned the use of Corsican in official assembly debates, seen as a direct attack on Corsican identity. The protests from nationalist student unions, advocating for the slogan “Corsican language, living language,” reflect a broader desire to retain cultural identity amid governmental constraints. This incident may amplify these sentiments, leading to increased demonstrations and unrest.
Time.news Editor: What implications do you foresee for Corsica if these nationalist sentiments continue to rise?
Dr. Emilie Gérard: If this trend continues, we could witness a significant shift in the political landscape of corsica.A rise in radical nationalist acts may jeopardize progress towards greater autonomy and deepen divisions within the community. Continued violence might lead to a heavier police presence and crackdowns,further alienating peaceful activists and undermining dialog.Ultimately, this could stall any meaningful conversations about Corsica’s future and exacerbate tensions between different identity groups.
Time.news Editor: For our readers, what practical advice do you have for understanding and navigating this complex situation in Corsica?
Dr. Emilie Gérard: I advise readers to stay informed thru reliable news sources and engage with local communities. Understanding the historical context of Corsican nationalism is crucial.Participating in discussions and supporting initiatives that promote peaceful dialogue and cultural expressions—like the Corsican language—can foster a more cohesive society. Lastly, advocating for legal frameworks that respect minority languages can create a more inclusive political environment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Gérard, for your insights. This is certainly a complex and evolving situation, and your expertise sheds much-needed light on the challenges facing Corsica today.
Dr. Emilie Gérard: Thank you for the chance to discuss this important topic.