Ex-con Norwegian heavy-metal rocker on trial in France for allegedly inciting racial hatred

Norwegian heavy metal rocker Kristian Vikernes, 40, arrives at the Paris courthouse to answer charges of allegedly inciting racial hatred and other charges linked to his alleged anti-Semitic and xenophobic messages, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. Vikernes was detained in central France in July on suspected terrorism charges. Authorities had grown suspicious after his French wife bought several firearms, even though she had a permit, but turned up no plot. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (The Associated Press)

Norwegian heavy metal rocker Kristian Vikernes, 40, arrives at the Paris courthouse for allegedly inciting racial hatred and other charges linked to his alleged anti-Semitic and xenophobic messages, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. Vikernes was detained in central France in July on suspected terrorism charges. Authorities had grown suspicious after his French wife bought several firearms, even though she had a permit, but turned up no plot. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – A Norwegian heavy metal rocker is on trial in France for allegedly inciting racial hatred and other charges linked to his alleged anti-Semitic and xenophobic messages.

Authorities initially detained 40-year-old Kristian Vikernes in central France in July on suspected terrorism charges. Authorities had grown suspicious after his French wife bought several firearms, but turned up no plot.

Prosecutors nonetheless filed charges against Vikernes for inciting racial hatred, and justifying war crimes. He faces up to five years in prison.

Aside from convicted mass killer Anders Breivik, Vikernes is perhaps Norway's best-known extremist after being convicted over the 1993 stabbing death of a fellow band member.

Vikernes served 16 years in prison. Many Norwegians were shocked that he turned up in France.