French Lawmaker Rima Hassan Faces Trial Over Terrorism-Related Charges

French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan appeared in court Tuesday over accusations of “apology for terrorism,” a legal offence in France that applies to certain expressions considered to support or glorify terrorist acts. Hassan has rejected the allegations, calling the case politically motivated.

Ahead of the hearing, Hassan said she believes the proceedings are aimed at restricting her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and putting the Palestinian cause under scrutiny. She described the case as part of what she called a wider campaign of pressure against her political advocacy.

The pro-Palestinian lawmaker said she has faced increased judicial and political scrutiny in recent months, including investigations, the lifting of her parliamentary immunity, and what she described as surveillance and the spread of false information following her detention in April.