Investigation into racism in "Tin Tin"

7 August 2007

BRUSSELS – The Brussels public prosecution department has opened an investigation into Hergé’s comic book “Tin Tin in Africa” after a Congolese student filed a complaint against the book claiming it was “an insult to all Congolese.”

Mbutu Mondondo Bienvenu has lodged a complaint with the court against Moulinsart, which holds the rights to Hergé’s works. No one at the public prosecution department was available for comment but a letter that the public prosecutor has sent Mondondo Bienvenu indicates that a preliminary investigation has been started to see whether the case can be declared admissible.

The Moulinsart office had not yet been informed of the complaint but said that the comic should be seen “in its context.” The Centre for Equal Opportunity and Fighting Racism warns against “political over-correctness.” The comic book caused a stir in Great Britain and the US as well last month.

Subject: Belgian news

Investigation into racism in “Tin Tin”