Full Breakdown
Mohammed Khatib's Deportation from Greece: A Controversial Arrest
2/8/2026, 8:26:10 PM
Arrest and Deportation Details
Mohammed Khatib, the European coordinator for Samidoun, a Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, is facing deportation from Greece after being arrested at Heraklion Airport. His detention occurred as he was traveling to a speaking engagement in Crete. The Greek government cited "national security" as the reason for his inadmissibility, with the arrest order reportedly issued on December 24, 2025. This incident follows Khatib's citizenship revocation in Belgium less than a year prior.
Background on Khatib and Samidoun
Khatib has been a controversial figure due to his outspoken support for Palestinian armed resistance, including his admiration for Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), both classified as terrorist organizations by the European Union. In August 2025, Belgium revoked his refugee status, labeling him a "hate preacher" with ties to extremist views. Samidoun has criticized the actions of various European governments, claiming they are succumbing to pressures from the United States and other Western powers.
Public Response and Protests
Following Khatib's arrest, supporters gathered outside the central police station in Heraklion to protest his detention. Samidoun issued a statement condemning the Greek government's actions, asserting that they contradict the solidarity expressed by the Greek populace towards Palestine. The organization highlighted a pattern of repression against pro-Palestinian activists in Europe and North America, referencing Khatib's previous denials of entry into the Netherlands and Switzerland, as well as the ban on Samidoun in Germany.
Controversial Event and Speaker
Despite Khatib's absence, an event titled the Assembly of Solidarity with the Palestinian People proceeded as planned. The event featured a live phone call with Abdel Nasser Issa, a senior Hamas figure and former political prisoner. Issa, who was involved in two suicide bombings in 1995, called for continued resistance against Zionism, Nazism, and fascism, while expressing support for Khatib. Panteion University, where the event was initially slated to occur, distanced itself from the gathering, stating that no authorization had been granted for Issa's participation.
Official Statements & Responses
Panteion University expressed surprise at the planned event featuring Issa, emphasizing that it had not sanctioned such an occurrence. The university's statement clarified that it had not invited the speaker and had no knowledge of the event's organization. Samidoun's response to Khatib's arrest highlighted the broader implications for pro-Palestinian activism in Europe, framing it as part of a larger trend of repression against such movements.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Khatib and Samidoun argue that their rhetoric and actions contribute to a climate of extremism and violence. The Belgian Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis has classified Khatib's views as dangerous, reflecting concerns over his influence and the potential for inciting further conflict.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Samidoun claims widespread support for Khatib among the Greek populace, the official stance of the Greek government and the broader public opinion remains unclear. Additionally, discrepancies exist regarding the extent of Khatib's influence and the implications of his deportation on pro-Palestinian activism in Europe.
Verbatim Quotes
“Contrary to the strong sentiments and solidarity of the Greek people with Palestine, the Greek government is once again carrying out the will of the Zionist entity, the United States, and EU imperialist powers like Germany,” — Samidoun Statement
“The arrest of Comrade Mohammed should motivate us all to continue our struggle and fight for just causes, and specifically for Palestine,” — Abdel Nasser Issa
