Mélenchon calls his past stance on Islamic veil a 'terrible mistake'

French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon admitted Wednesday he made a "terrible mistake" by previously opposing the Islamic veil, saying he has changed his mind after discussions with women affected by the issue. Speaking at a Paris conference, the La France Insoumise candidate said he was "convinced" after meeting veiled and non-veiled women, calling his earlier stance a "grave error." He had described the veil as a "sign of patriarchal submission" in 2010. Mélenchon also urged supporters to avoid insults and sexism online, particularly toward National Rally candidate Marine Le Pen, ahead of their fourth presidential election showdown.