France faces backlash over arrest of pro-Palestine political scientist

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Jul 2024 10:16
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Francois Burgat, a well-known political scientist, has been arrested on charges of advocating terrorism following a pro-Palestinian post.

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Political scientist Francois Burgat ( X)

The arrest of pro-Palestinian political scientist Francois Burgat in France has sparked significant controversy within the country.

Burgat, a prominent figure known for his advocacy for Gaza, was detained on accusations of L'apologie du terrorisme (advocacy of terrorism), according to his lawyer on Tuesday.

The European Jewish Organization had reportedly filed a complaint against Burgat, who is renowned for his expertise in the Arab world and Islamophobia, over a reposting on January 2.

Burgat, aged 76, was released later the same day, with his lawyer describing the arrest as "scandalous."

L’Honneur” de la France
Pendant que j’étais dans cette garde à vue où la #Macronie m’a placé hier 7 heures pour me faire taire, #Caroline_Fourest et Florence #Bergeaud_Blackler ont appris qu’elles allaient recevoir la “Légion d’Honneur”. Le jour de 2018 où j’ai pour ma part… pic.twitter.com/WM2CppJbHp
— François Burgat (@frburgat) July 10, 2024

'A witch hunt'

M’jid El Guerrab, a former French parliament member, urged people to mobilize and protest against the "unacceptable" arrest and "harassment" of Francois Burgat.

On his part, Philosopher Joel Roman, former editor-in-chief of Esprit magazine, criticized the decision to detain Burgat as "senseless."

“I know him a little bit, and in no case can Francois Burgat be suspected of advocacy of terrorism,” he said.

Vincent Geisser, the director of research at Paris’ National Scientific Research Center, condemned the arrest as "shameful," likening it to a "witch hunt."

Geisser highlighted the political scientist's four decades of service to the French Republic and urged all colleagues to demonstrate their solidarity, either individually or collectively.

Burgat, known for his advocacy for Gaza, had stated earlier this year in a post on X that he has “infinitely more respect and appreciation for the leaders of Hamas than the leaders of the state of Israel.”

It is worth noting that prominent French figures urged last month French President Emmanuel Macron to officially recognize the State of Palestine to help end the ongoing violence in Gaza and prompt diplomatic action.

This is all happening as the Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza is ongoing, live and unabated, with more than 38,000 killed, mainly women and children.