Why Cedric Herrou is making headlines

Who's that now?

A 37-year-old French olive farmer.

Please tell me there is more to him than that.

Of course. He is also an activist who was arrested on October 20 for helping illegal African immigrants cross over from Italy and sheltering them. He has now been put on trial.

Interesting. that takes conviction and guts.

Sure does. 'I am a Frenchman,' he told the judge. And he told reporters outside the court in Nice: 'It's not up to me to make a distinction between black and white, people with or without papers.... Farming is what I do. My job is feeding people and that's what I do.'

Well, i'm not surprised. you know who isn't among his supporters?

Donald Trump. Knew you were gonna say that.

Smart! what kind of punishment is he looking at?

If he is convicted, a fine of 30,000 euros and up to five years in prison.

That's a bit much, don't you think? illegal migrants are not terrorists.

Couldn't agree more. There is also the question of human rights. But then, with the kind of xenophobia we are seeing, this is hardly surprising.

When is the verdict likely?

February 10, according to his lawyer.