French park manager detained after refusing entry to 'Israeli' group

Authorities in southern France have placed the manager of a leisure park under questioning after he allegedly denied entry to a large group of 'Israeli' minors, sparking accusations of religious discrimination.

The incident occurred on Thursday in Porte-Puymorens, a village in the western Pyrenees, when the park manager turned away around 150 'Israeli' tourists aged between 8 and 16 who had arrived on a pre-booked trip while vacationing in neighboring Spain.

Local prosecutors in Perpignan confirmed that the 52-year-old manager was taken into custody on suspicion of “discrimination based on religion.” They added that the man justified his decision by citing “personal convictions.”

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the refusal, calling it a serious violation of French values. “This is not our conception of the Republic, this is not our conception of human dignity,” he told BFMTV.

The 'Israeli' group, traveling in three buses, eventually rerouted to another destination in France, escorted by gendarmes to ensure their security. Officials reported that no further incidents occurred.

Although the park manager has no prior criminal record, he could face up to three years in prison if charged and convicted of religious discrimination while providing a public service.