Two anti-advertising activists appeared before a police court in Angers on Friday, September 25, facing charges related to their actions on November 21, 2025. On that date, they were caught in the act of removing an advertisement poster, an action that led to their prosecution. The activists were charged with "intentional damage or deterioration of another person's property causing minor damage," a legal term used to describe deliberate actions that result in slight harm or destruction to someone else's belongings. The activists, whose names have not been disclosed, were identified by law enforcement after the poster was reported missing. The removed advertisement was part of a commercial campaign, and the act of removing it was considered a violation of local laws that protect private property, even when it is used for commercial purposes. In France, such acts are typically treated as civil offenses unless they cause significant damage or are part of a larger protest. The trial, held in a police court, is part of a broader legal framework that seeks to balance individual rights with the protection of private property. While anti-advertising activists often argue that billboards and posters contribute to visual pollution, the law generally does not recognize such arguments as a legal justification for damaging property. The case has sparked some discussion about the visibility of advertisements in urban areas and the limits of personal expression. The activists are expected to present their defense during the trial, which may include arguments about their intent and the broader social context of their actions. The court will consider whether their behavior was intentional, whether the damage caused was indeed minor, and whether there were any mitigating factors. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for similar incidents involving anti-advertising protests in the region.