ISTANBUL

The French government said on Wednesday that a French researcher was denied entry to the US and sent back to France for criticizing US President Donald Trump.

"This measure was apparently taken by the American authorities because the researcher's phone contained exchanges with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administration's research policy,” said French Education Minister Philippe Baptiste, according to Le Monde.

The scientist, who was traveling to attend a conference near Houston, was on assignment for France’s National Center for Scientific Research.

Baptiste added that he learned of the incident “with concern.”

Diplomatic sources told local media that the incident occurred on March 9 when the researcher, specializing in space studies, was subjected to a random check upon arrival in the US.

During the screening, officials searched his professional laptop and phone, allegedly finding messages discussing the treatment of scientists under the Trump administration.

These messages were reportedly deemed as demonstrating "hatred toward Trump and potentially qualifying as terrorism."

French Foreign Ministry ‘deplores situation’

The researcher's electronic devices were confiscated, and he was reportedly sent back to Europe on March 10.

Another source familiar with the case said he was accused of sharing "hateful and conspiratorial messages."

An FBI investigation was reportedly launched but later dropped with no charges.

The French Foreign Ministry acknowledged that the US has sovereignty over its immigration policies but nevertheless "deplores this situation."

The ministry reaffirmed France’s "determination to promote freedom of expression," as well as the French government's commitment "to academic and scientific cooperation,” according to Le Monde.