Story perspectives

EU Parliament Member Detained in France Over Controversial Post

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament, was detained in France on suspicion of “apology for terrorism” due to a social media post about Kozo Okamoto, associated with a 1972 attack in Israel.
Her party, La France Insoumise (LFI), condemned the detention, with founder Jean-Luc Melenchon labeling it an infringement on parliamentary immunity.
Pro-Israel figures, including far-right politician Matthias Renault, supported the detention, while LFI officials claimed it intimidates supporters of Palestine.
MP Mathilde Panot urged an end to what she described as a relentless attack on fundamental rights.

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Story summary

Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament, was detained in France on suspicion of “apology for terrorism” due to a social media post about Kozo Okamoto, associated with a 1972 attack in Israel.
Her party, La France Insoumise (LFI), condemned the detention, with founder Jean-Luc Melenchon labeling it an infringement on parliamentary immunity.
Pro-Israel figures, including far-right politician Matthias Renault, supported the detention, while LFI officials claimed it intimidates supporters of Palestine.
MP Mathilde Panot urged an end to what she described as a relentless attack on fundamental rights.