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President Nicolas Sarkozy of France has failed in his attempt to ban the sale of his voodoo doll after a Paris court ruled people had a right to stick needles in his image in the name of "satire and humour".
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Mr Sarkozy's lawyer had argued that the president – like any French person – owned the right to his own image under the law. But the publishing house K&B Editions, which markets the doll, said humour was part of freedom of expression.
The court ruled in the company's favour last night – the first time in France that a president has failed in an attempt to defend the use of his image.
"Nicolas Sarkozy: The Voodoo Manual" kit costs €12.95 and includes a handbook and 12 pins. The blue-coloured doll shows Mr Sarkozy's face on a body covered with some of his most famous one-liners, including "get lost, you sad git" – his now infamous remark to a detractor at Paris' agricultural fair.
The word "scum" – his description of suburban delinquents – is placed on the doll's groin.
Mr Sarkozy's lawyer had argued that the president – like any French person – owned the right to his own image under the law. But the publishing house K&B Editions, which markets the doll, said humour was part of freedom of expression.
The court ruled in the company's favour last night – the first time in France that a president has failed in an attempt to defend the use of his image.
"Nicolas Sarkozy: The Voodoo Manual" kit costs €12.95 and includes a handbook and 12 pins. The blue-coloured doll shows Mr Sarkozy's face on a body covered with some of his most famous one-liners, including "get lost, you sad git" – his now infamous remark to a detractor at Paris' agricultural fair.
The word "scum" – his description of suburban delinquents – is placed on the doll's groin.
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