French security authorities have arrested Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament belonging to the 'La France Insoumise' party, following investigations related to content she published on social media platforms. Informed sources stated that the detention was for questioning regarding suspicions of 'expressing support for terrorism,' which sparked widespread political reactions within French and European circles.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, confirmed that his colleague Rima Hassan is currently being held by the police due to a comment she posted last March about an attack on an Israeli airport in the 1970s. Mélenchon strongly criticized this measure via his 'X' account, considering the arrest of a parliamentary representative for her political stances a dangerous precedent that practically signifies the absence of parliamentary immunity in the country.
According to French media reports, the charge focuses on a tweet Hassan posted on March 26, in which she discussed the Lod Airport attack that occurred in 1972 and was carried out by the Japanese Red Army. Authorities claim that the wording of the tweet, which included a quote from one of those convicted in that operation, could be interpreted as a form of justification or glorification of armed violence under the guise of defending the rights of the Palestinian people.
Rima Hassan, 33, is one of the most prominent young political figures advocating for the Palestinian cause in France, where her role has become increasingly prominent since the start of the aggression on the Gaza Strip. The MEP has actively participated in international initiatives such as the 'Freedom Flotilla,' which sought to break the siege imposed on the Strip, making her subject to repeated legal pursuits and pressure from the pro-occupation lobby.
This is not the first time Hassan has faced legal action, as she has been under investigation since late 2023 on charges of 'glorifying terrorism' based on statements and positions following the events of October 7. Observers believe that these legal actions aim to restrict voices opposing Israeli policies within European legislative institutions, especially with the escalating political polarization surrounding the Gaza issue.
In a related context, sources close to the party emphasized that Rima Hassan had previously deleted the controversial post, but authorities insisted on prosecuting her legally. These developments come at a time when France is witnessing a heated debate about the limits of freedom of expression and the immunity granted to elected officials, especially in issues affecting foreign policy and sensitive international conflicts.
The re-arrest of Rima Hassan due to an old tweet means the absence of parliamentary immunity in France, and this is unacceptable.
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French authorities arrest MEP Rima Hassan on charges of 'supporting terrorism'