Ghassan Abu Sittah, a British-Palestinian doctor known for providing reconstructive surgeries to victims of Israel’s war in Gaza, was recently denied entry to France due to a Schengen-wide restriction imposed by Germany. This incident highlights the suppression of Palestinian advocates in France, sparking concerns among civil liberties and human rights organizations.
Pro-Palestinian activists, trade unionists, and politicians are facing increasing scrutiny and summons by the counter-terror police over alleged terrorism apologia for their support of Palestine. The restrictions on free speech, especially regarding advocacy for Palestine, have raised questions about the influence of the Israel lobby in French society.
Individuals like Rima Hassan, a Franco-Palestinian activist, have been targeted for their pro-Palestinian stance, with legal actions and summonses intensifying. This wave of lawfare against pro-Palestine activists extends to high-profile figures like Mathilde Panot and Anasse Kazib, reflecting a broader crackdown on advocating for the Palestinian cause in various sectors of French public life.
As the situation escalates, concerns over free speech, racial profiling, and intimidation tactics have been raised, indicating a worrisome trend of stifling pro-Palestinian voices in France.
Journalist Olly Haynes covers the growing political tensions and suppression of activism in France.