Comité FLAC Montpellier

Contact : 06 82 75 20 67 Courriel : domidrakis@yahoo.fr

headed by Dominique Siccardi

Segolène Royal : "Bullfights are magnificent spectacles"

Segolène Royal : "Bullfights are magnificent spectacles" For the attention of: Madame Ségolène Royale Objet : Your recent statement which appeared in the newspaper "La Provence" on Saturday, November 4th, 2006: "Bullfights are magnificent spectacles. I can understand the passion of their enthusiasts". Montpellier, November 8th, 2006 Madame Royal, From the article which appeared in "La Provence" last weekend, it seems you declared that bullfights were magnificent spectacles… We believe that this must be an error, judging from what we know of your opinions and of your programme concerning violence in particular. You should know that young future torturers practice on very young calves in bullfighting schools which are a disgrace to our country. You should also be informed that in towns considered as having a bullfight "tradition", more than 83% of their inhabitants are opposed to this barbaric practice of another age. Therefore, you will gain no votes by affirming that you understand the passion of bullfight enthusiasts. On the contrary, you run the risk of losing many, from numerous activists in associations opposed to bullfight torture for more than ten years. We therefore present you today with this film lasting 18 minutes, produced by Jérôme Lescure from images taken in the summer of 2004 in five different arenas in the south of France. Once you have watched it you will be able to tell us, duly informed, whether you find this "spectacle" beautiful, and worthy of a country like ours… With our most sincere greetings, and awaiting your reply. For the FLAC Committee in Montpellier, Dominique Siccardi

Ségolène Royal's visit to Montpellier on Wednesday, November 8th was a very brief one. She spoke a few minutes (after Hélène Mandroux-Colas, Montpellier's Mayor), then they retreated quickly since they had an appointment with George Frêche at the Regional Council. I did my best to pursue her but her security contingent slammed the door of the Town Hall in my face… Too bad… but we are sending her the letter written by Dominique Siccardi for the FLAC Committee of Montpellier, in which we ask her to watch the film "Alinéa 3" and to then tell us her position, as well as a letter from Josyane Querelle, FLAC President, which refers to Ségolène Royale's previous statements concerning bullfights. Furthermore, a member of her support committee and of "Désirs d'Avenir" is going to give the DVD "Alinéa 3" to her communications official, who seems more approachable, along with a copy of the article that appeared in "La Provence", and a short explanatory note. I know a little more now about her declaration, from friends who were present at Le Grau du Roi on Saturday. She was leaving calmly after taking a photo next to a horse when a reporter ran after her and asked "How about bullfights, do you like them?". She remained silent for a few seconds, apparently taken aback, then finally uttered that they were magnificent shows. In any case, it's something to follow up! If we receive a response, we'll let it be known! Delphine Simon for the Montpellier FLAC Committee