French comic angers Jews

A French comic who offended Jews has been forced to cancel a live tour after organisers said they could not guarantee the safety of his audience.

Promoters feared violent protest against Dieudonne, who faces trial for making a racist slur after he appeared in a TV sketch dressed as an Orthodox rabbi and gave a Nazi salute.

The Olympia theatre in Paris cancelled tonight's show after several incidents marred previous performances. His scheduled appearances in ten further cities were also cancelled.

A statement said: "The climate of extreme tension observed in the last few days has led the management of the Olympia to take this decision."

Paris police chief Jean-Paul Proust told the theatre that police could only guarantee security outside the venue,

The comic challenged the theatre's decision in the courts, but a judge ruled that the venue was within its rights.

Dieudonne claims his December appearance on France 3 was meant as a criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav is currently visiting Paris, and earlier this month, two people were injured after a protester released tear gas during Dieudonne's show in Lyon.

Published: 20 Feb 2004