Paris, January 6 (RHC)-- In France, a trial is underway for a French farmer who faces up to five years in prison for helping migrants cross the border from Italy.  Cédric Herrou also faces a 30,000-euro fine if he’s found guilty of aiding illegal arrivals. 

About 300 demonstrators rallied outside a courthouse in Nice as the trial got underway.  Herrou says he led a team of volunteers who provided food and shelter to the migrants, and accepted no money in return. 

Last month, Herrou was elected "Person of the Year" by Nice’s main newspaper.  He’s the latest to face charges for assisting migrants. Another court is due to decide the fate of a man who faces a six-month suspended sentence for giving a ride to three Eritrean women who crossed the border from Italy.