Islamic teacher in Belgium accused of Holocaust denial

The francophone community’s education minister made the accusation after the unnamed teacher voiced scepticism following a talk at a public school by a World War II Nazi concentration camp survivor.

"For the first time someone told me that my story was greatly exaggerated," Henri Kichka, an 83 year-old former inmate at the Auschwitz and Buchenwald death camps, told the Le Soir newspaper.

Education minister Christian Dupont said he was "shocked" by the "totally unacceptable" comments by the religion teacher. An enquiry has been opened and a legal complaint lodged, the ministry said in a statement.

It is studying a videotape of the event, which could lead to the teacher’s dismissal.

The Muslim Executive of Belgium also spoke of possible sanctions.

"Negationism is an offence. Our teachers must act in accordance with the constitution and the law," one of its officials said.

AFP/Expatica