Bruno Gollnisch is a French academic and politician. As of 2005, he is the general delegate (second-ranking executive) of the National Front far-right party.

He is a councillor of the Rhône-Alpes région of France, and a deputy to the European Parliament.

Studies and career

Bruno Gollnisch studied Law, political science and far-eastern languages, with an initial intent to become a diplomat. He met Jean-Marie Le Pen while studying at Nanterre university. He also became a reserve officer in the French Navy.

In 1974, he began doctoral studies in Law at the Kyoto University (Japan). After coming back to France, he began a career as juridical advisor, then lawyer.

He as a doctorate in Law, diplomas in Eastern languages (Japanese, Malay, Indonesian), and is a specialist of the law of Eastern Asian countries.

He became associate professor of Law at Metz university. In 1981, he became professor of Japanese language and civilization at the University Lyon III , and still holds this position.

Controversy

On October 11, 2004 Bruno Gollnisch declared

[There is no longer] any serious historian that stick integrally to the conclusions of the Nuremberg Trial.

I do not question the existence of concentration camps but historians could discuss the number of deaths. As to the existence of gas chambers, it is up to historians to decide. [1] in reaction to a report denouncing the complacent attitude of the Lyon III university with respect to the far right. Bruno Gollnisch reiterated his declarations shortly after.

Bruno Gollnisch's declarations, with their implication of holocaust denial, provoked an instantaneous scandal, especially with the proximity of the ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp. The president of the university asked the Minister of National Education to suspend Pr Gollnisch, and announced the opening of a disciplinary procedure against him.

A judicial enquiry was also begun; the Gayssot Law prohibits publicly putting into doubt the existence of crimes against humanity condemned during the Nuremberg Trials.

On December 26, the president of the university suspended Pr Gollnisch's classes for 30 days. On December 2, the president of the university also prohibited the entrance of Pr Gollnisch into the university, alleging possible trouble to public order; however, this decision was cancelled by the Conseil d'État on January 14, 2005. [2]

On February 2, Bruno Gollnisch again begun teaching at Lyon III. The entrance of students in his classroom was blocked by groups of students from left-wing and Jewish associations. A group of National Front students allowed Gollnisch's students to enter the classroom and blocked the protesters; a brawl ensued; police officers came and a National Front student was arrested. [3] Other troubles ensued.

External links

• Official site