The Jewish Anti-Zionist Congress (JAZIC) condemns the detention and subsequent release of MEP Rima Hassan on suspicion of "apology for terrorism" or "glorification of terrorism." Hassan was investigated by France's National Unit for Combating Online Hate (PNLH) for a March 26 social media post in which she referenced Kozo Okamoto (Okamoto participated in a deadly 1972 attack in the Zionist state).

JAZIC considers the detention of Ms. Hassan, who was born a Palestinian refugee in Syria, not just a brazen attack on freedom of expression, but also a dangerous precedent which erodes the concept of parliamentary immunity for MEPs.

This is now the fourth time Ms. Hassan has been summoned on accusations of "apology for terrorism," underscoring a pattern of repeated judicial harassment. Her trial is scheduled to begin on July 7.

This is not the first time Ms. Hassan has faced political persecution. Earlier last month, she was denied entry to Canada where she had been scheduled to speak at two conferences. She was also to meet with Québec Assembly members Haroun Bouazzi and Ruba Ghazal. She had originally received travel authorization but this was rescinded shortly before her flight. Zionist interference is undeniable in the revocation of Ms. Hassan’s travel authorization. Both the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and B’nai Brith Canada admitted that they had taken up the issue with Canadian authorities. They later expressed their satisfaction with the decision to deny her entry.

In the past 24 hours, a particularly disturbing smear campaign has also circulated, falsely claiming that drugs were found among Ms. Hassan’s personal belongings in an apparent attempt to damage her reputation. These allegations are entirely fabricated. Urine tests have demonstrated that these claims are false, and the CBD in her possession is part of a legitimate medical prescription.

This blatant political interference reveals a coordinated campaign to silence dissent, criminalize solidarity, and erode the very foundations of democratic rights.

Neither is this the first time Ms. Hassan has been detained by French police. After the Oct 7 attack, she was also questioned by police and placed under investigation based on similar allegations relating to social media posts — yet another sign of the relentless attempts to silence those who dare to speak out.

JAZIC believes the actions of the French police promote a Zionist agenda that seeks to conflate legitimate political commentary within the context of the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine and the continuing genocide against the Palestinian people with criminal support for terrorism.

In doing so, the French executive is sacrificing fundamental freedoms to uphold a racist and repressive political agenda. JAZIC stands with the French people who are resisting the criminalization of political speech and defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression, and reiterates its opposition to the bill presented by MP C. Yadan which aims to conflate antizionism and antisemitism.