A Muslim Frenchman at the centre of a firestorm over polygamy is being questioned by police in Nantes once again, this time about allegations of rape and violence by a former companion.

Algerian-born Lies Hebbadj was charged with fraud in June for allegedly collecting too much in benefits for 12 children he reportedly had with four different women.

The case became public last April when his wife, who wears a face-covering Muslim veil, was given a traffic ticket for driving with clothes that hinder vision.

Prosecutor Xavier Ronsin said today that Hebbadj has been questioned since Friday evening over claims by a former companion of alleged acts of rape and violence from 2003 to 2007.

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