A French far-left MEP was detained for justifying terrorism

Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament from the far-left party “Unbowed France,” was taken into custody and questioned on April 2 as part of an investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office. 

According to AFP, the reason for her detention was a social media post she made on March 26, which was later deleted. The investigation is being conducted by a special unit combating online hate speech, which is examining the post for compliance with anti-terrorism legislation.

In the controversial post, Hassan quoted Japanese national Kozo Okamoto, who declared his commitment to the Palestinian cause and asserted that “resistance is not merely a right, but a duty” under conditions of oppression. It is worth noting that Okamoto was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the bloody terrorist attack at Ben Gurion Airport in 1972. The post sparked an immediate reaction from political opponents: a representative of the far-right “National Union” officially filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office regarding the MEP’s remarks.

This is not the first time Rima Hassan’s activities have drawn the attention of law enforcement. She had previously been investigated for publicly insulting a socialist politician, although that case was eventually closed. The new incident has intensified the debate in French society regarding the limits of free speech and politicians’ responsibility for statements that could be interpreted as support for radical movements. Currently, “Unbowed France” condemns the detention of its representative, calling it political pressure, while the investigation continues. The Hassan case highlights the complex political atmosphere in France amid internal disputes over the Middle East conflict.

Meanwhile, a Paris court has begun hearing Marine Le Pen’s appeal in the case regarding the misuse of EU funds.

Marine Le Pen pleaded not guilty in court regarding the EU funds case.