Neo-Nazi writing was found on the stairs of an Austrialian memorial in Villers-Bretonneaux, the national police announced today.

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The words ‘Coppe: Baladur” with that spelling are likely in reference to French politicians Jean-François Copé and Édouard Balladur were written on the first line, followed by “CQFD” in between two swastikas. CQFD is the acronym for ‘Ce Qu’il Faut Dire’, or what must be said. On the last line, “signed by FT” was written, explained a source.

This type of defacing on such a monument is rare.

Every year, thousands of people celebrate ANZAC Day in Villers-Bretonneau, which pays homage to the Australian and New-Zealand soldiers that were killed during the first world war from 1914 to 1918.

The soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) are revered by people in this region because on 25 April 1918, they liberated the towns on what is known as Battle of the Somme. It was a fight that led to the victory of the allies. Nearly 1200 Australian and New-Zealand soldiers were killed during this operation.

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