At least 30 posters were placed on billboards in the southern province of Avignon, accompanied by a quote from Gandhi: "Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state becomes outlawed or corrupt," reported the public broadcaster TF1.
Although the company that owns the billboards promptly removed the posters, an investigation has been initiated for public insult to the president and incitement to rebellion, TF1 added.
The perpetrators could face up to two months in prison and a fine of €7,500 ($8,100) for provocation to rebellion, as well as a criminal fine of €12,000 for insulting the president, cautioned Avignon prosecutor Florence Galtier, according to the broadcaster.