French Muslim rapper cancels Bataclan shows after far-right protests

‘The freedom of expression of artists ... must remain a fundamental right in our democracy’

Venue was targeted during the Paris attacks of 2015 (Reuters)

A popular French Muslim rapper has cancelled two sold-out October shows at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris, due to pressure from far-right groups.

Medine, a 35-year-old performer, has said in interviews that he is intentionally provocative in his songs so that he can shatter stereotypes.

Since June the right and far right have waged a campaign against him, with the aim of shutting down his shows.

130 people were killed in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks on 13 November 2015. A Bataclan concert was targeted during the killing spree.

Patrick Jardin, the father of Nathalie Jardin, an attack victim, joined the protests against the rapper, although he stressed that he was apolitical and just wanted action.

Later Mr Jardin said that cancelling the concert avoided the risk of violence.

"I think they avoided blood running again at the Bataclan," he said, adding that "very determined" people were expected to protest at the concerts.

"Out of respect for these families and to guarantee the security of my public, these concerts cannot go ahead," Medine said in a statement.

The rapper said the far-right activists were trying "to divide" France and that they did not "hesitate to manipulate and reawaken the pain of the families of victims".

Marine Le Pen was one of the far-right leaders who celebrated the cancellation of the concerts.

Medine will instead perform at another major Paris music venue.

Staff at the Bataclan had initially resisted the cancellation of the concerts.

The far-right groups had claimed that the rapper's performance would desecrate the site.

A spokesperson for the concert hall said that the performances would take place elsewhere "out of respect for the victims" of the 2015 attacks but added that "the freedom of expression of artists ... must remain a fundamental right in our democracy".

Associated Press contributed to this report