The graphic charter was well respected… However, this did not prevent users from discovering this Thursday morning, a little before 8 am, an anti-abortion campaign on many Vélib’. The stickers, which use the same typography as the usual Vélib’ communications, represent two stages of growth of a fetus and a child with the inscription “And if you had let him live”.
“More than a hundred bikes” concerned
In a press release, the Syndicat Autolib Vélib’ Métropole (SAVM), in charge of the service in the metropolis, counts “more than a hundred bicycles” concerned, a figure yet to be determined.
Furthermore, the SAVM strongly condemns the messages posted as part of this illegal campaign. “These messages call into question the right of women to dispose of their bodies, a fundamental right, and are exactly contrary to the values of Velib’. This action is condemned by the Syndicate and I hope that it will be condemned by the whole of the political class”, indicates Sylvain Raifaud, President of the SAVM and Councilor of Paris.
The campaign in question is claimed by the movement “Les Survivors” on its website which draws a wobbly parallel between the first pedal strokes of a child and the use of a Vélib’ to justify his cause.
According to the testimonies of users on social networks, several districts would be affected, in particular the 10th and 14th arrondissements. “I am collapsed and determined to assert the right, explains Sylvain Raifaud to France Info, we will remove these stickers as soon as possible and we invite users to do so as well. »
The City of Paris plans to file a complaint
The information outraged many politicians including François Braun, Minister of Health and Prevention, calling this campaign “shameful”. Isabelle Rome, minister delegate in charge of equality between women and men denounces an unacceptable campaign.
The Survivors are “badly named”, reacted on Twitter the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, denouncing a “shame for our Republic, for Paris and its values” when David Belliard, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of mobility plans legal follow-up: “We will examine all possible legal remedies to prosecute the authors of this shameful campaign, contrary to the values of the service and of Paris. »