Rima Hassan, a France Insoumise candidate for the European elections, has been summoned by police for "apology of terrorism" following comments she made on Palestine between November and December 2022. Hassan, a Franco-Palestinian lawyer and activist who is ranked seventh on the France Insoumise list for the elections, received a summons from the judicial police accusing her of "public apology of an act of terrorism" committed during that period, before she became a candidate.
Hassan's lawyer, Me Vincent Brengarth, confirmed the police summons, calling it "utterly astonishing" and an attempt to criminalize her expressions alerting to the urgency of the situation in Gaza. Hassan herself has denounced the procedure as "purely political maneuvers" aimed at compromising her freedom of expression on the Palestinian issue. She stated that she is serene, confident, and ready to fully cooperate with the judicial police.
The France Insoumise party has strongly condemned the decision to summon Hassan, describing it as an "unacceptable intimidation" on a "hallucinating pretext." The party claims that Hassan clearly condemned the actions of Hamas on October 7 and never said those actions were legitimate, contrary to the allegations made against her. France Insoumise is demanding an immediate end to these "unacceptable maneuvers," especially towards a candidate during an electoral campaign.
Why this matters: The summons of Rima Hassan highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on French politics. It also raises questions about the boundaries of freedom of expression for political candidates and activists addressing sensitive international issues during an election campaign.
Despite facing legal scrutiny and challenges, Hassan remains steadfast in her beliefs and willingness to engage with authorities. She has expressed her readiness to cooperate fully with the judicial police while condemning what she sees as political pressures threatening her freedom of expression and democracy during the crucial European elections. The France Insoumise party continues to support Hassan and denounce the actions taken against her as unacceptable attempts at intimidation and criminalization of voices speaking out against the situation in Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Rima Hassan, LFI candidate, summoned by police for "apology of terrorism"
- Hassan's lawyer calls summons "utterly astonishing" and attempt to criminalize her
- LFI condemns summons as "unacceptable intimidation" on "hallucinating pretext"
- LFI-hosted conference on Middle East canceled due to "public order" concerns
- Controversy highlights tensions over Israeli-Palestinian conflict in French politics
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France Insoumise Candidate Rima Hassan Summoned by Police Over Palestine Comments
Rima Hassan, a France Insoumise candidate, summoned by police for "apology of terrorism" over comments on Palestine, sparking controversy over free speech and political pressure during the European elections.
France Insoumise Candidate Rima Hassan Summoned by Police Over Palestine Comments
Rima Hassan, a France Insoumise candidate for the European elections, has been summoned by police for "apology of terrorism" following comments she made on Palestine between November and December 2022. Hassan, a Franco-Palestinian lawyer and activist who is ranked seventh on the France Insoumise list for the elections, received a summons from the judicial police accusing her of "public apology of an act of terrorism" committed during that period, before she became a candidate.
Hassan's lawyer, Me Vincent Brengarth, confirmed the police summons, calling it "utterly astonishing" and an attempt to criminalize her expressions alerting to the urgency of the situation in Gaza. Hassan herself has denounced the procedure as "purely political maneuvers" aimed at compromising her freedom of expression on the Palestinian issue. She stated that she is serene, confident, and ready to fully cooperate with the judicial police.
The France Insoumise party has strongly condemned the decision to summon Hassan, describing it as an "unacceptable intimidation" on a "hallucinating pretext." The party claims that Hassan clearly condemned the actions of Hamas on October 7 and never said those actions were legitimate, contrary to the allegations made against her. France Insoumise is demanding an immediate end to these "unacceptable maneuvers," especially towards a candidate during an electoral campaign.
Why this matters: The summons of Rima Hassan highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on French politics. It also raises questions about the boundaries of freedom of expression for political candidates and activists addressing sensitive international issues during an election campaign.
Despite facing legal scrutiny and challenges, Hassan remains steadfast in her beliefs and willingness to engage with authorities. She has expressed her readiness to cooperate fully with the judicial police while condemning what she sees as political pressures threatening her freedom of expression and democracy during the crucial European elections. The France Insoumise party continues to support Hassan and denounce the actions taken against her as unacceptable attempts at intimidation and criminalization of voices speaking out against the situation in Gaza.
Key Takeaways