DHAKA: A Belgian mayor has banned a congress that had attracted several figures from the French far right, including controversial comedian Dieudonne.

Opponents have condemned the meeting as ‘anti-Semitic’, and Anderlecht Mayor Eric Tomas said he was banning it to ensure public order.

But organiser Laurent Louis rejected the claim, urging people to come to the venue, where ‘a surprise’ was planned.

The French prime minister has denounced Dieudonne for his ‘mechanics of hate’.

The comic, who has convictions for anti-Jewish hate speech, was due to take part in Louis’ ‘First European congress of dissent’, reports the BBC.

BDST: 2102 HRS, MAY 04, 2014