Yet another controversial square in Paris
Paris isn't very lucky with its plans to name streets and squares after famous people. But that's maybe their own fault.
Last month, the newly created square named after pope John Paul II provoked angry protests from AIDS-awareness groups, claiming that the late pope's negative stance on the use of condoms was largely responsible for the millions of AIDS deaths in the world.
Now, the decision to name a square after the late actress Marie Trintignant triggers angry opinions. This time it's not because the artist herself is or was controversial – it's the wording of the reason behind the decision.
The Paris council simply mentions that Marie Trintignant died "under tragic circumstances", without a word about "violence against women".
The fact of the matter is that the actress died of a cerebral edema after being beaten up by her boyfriend Bertrand Cantat, lead singer for the French rock group Noir Désir. Her death caused considerable emotion in France. Bertrand Cantat was sentenced to 8 years in prison for manslaughter.
The protests are unlikely to stop the inauguration of the Marie Trintignant Square in the IV arrondissement. It may even become a permanent place of focus for those who fight violence against women. It would be Trintignant's greatest off-screen achievement.
[tags]France,Paris,Marie Trintignant[/tags]
