Three firefighter-sailors from Marseille (southern France) have been suspended after singing racist songs during the New Year’s Eve party on December 31.

The incident was confirmed by an internal investigation of the battalion, initiated following the circulation of a video on social media. In the video, racist lyrics such as “The Arabs are taboo. We will finish them all off” could be heard.

The command quickly took action by suspending the three men, stating that such behaviors were “intolerable and contrary to the values” of the institution.

A disciplinary procedure is underway and could be followed by additional sanctions from the regional Naval authority in Toulon. In parallel, the national police have been notified and may initiate criminal proceedings.