ISTANBUL

The Sept. 24 detention of French activist Elias d'Imzalene for using the word “intifada” during a demonstration for Gaza in Paris is the latest example of repression of pro-Palestine voices in France since last October, experts say.

French political scientist Francois Burgat told Anadolu that an investigation was launched against the activist on charges of “inciting hatred and violence” and “committing crimes against the fundamental interests of the nation” because he called for an "intifada in Paris” at a rally held on Sept. 8.

“Elias d'Imzalene has suffered police and judicial repression, sharing the fate of many others, mostly Muslims, for publicly voicing the legitimacy of the 'intifada' against those who blindly support the Israeli genocidaires,” he said.

“I know all this because I myself was detained by the police for a long time at the beginning of July and there is still a possibility that I will be charged,” Burgat said, adding that the detention “is a continuation of the criminal and judicial decisions taken by France after Oct. 7.”

Pointing out that there are restrictions on freedom of expression in the French society regarding the Israeli attacks on Gaza, Burgat stressed: “Justice Minister Dupont Moretti has a circular demanding the condemnation of any expression that associates the Hamas attack with an act of resistance, the legality of which I hope will one day be debated.”

The word “intifada” is an Arabic term meaning uprising, resistance or rebellion. It is mostly used in the Palestinian context to refer to the first uprising of 1987-1993 and the second one in 2000-2005.

Israel has killed more than 41,400 Palestinians since an Oct. 7 cross-border attack that claimed 1,200 lives. Israeli actions have triggered a humanitarian disaster and an ongoing trial over genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice.

‘It is time to remind France that it has trampled on its own principles’

Burgat also criticized the French narrative for ignoring the long-term suffering of Palestinians, pointing out that figures such as [former President Francois] Hollande now frame the Israeli-Arab conflict as beginning on Oct. 7, disregarding decades of Palestinian victimization since 1948, when Israel was established and thousands of Palestinians were expelled from their homes.

Pointing out that France is trampling on its own ideals with its crackdown on freedom of expression and its insensitivity to the Palestinian issue, Burgat said: “It is time for public opinion in Europe and the rest of the world to remind the French Republic, the so-called ‘cradle of human rights’ that has taught the entire planet so many lessons of humanity, that today it is trampling on its own principles.”

Anas Mustapha, head of Public Advocacy at the London-based non-governmental organization CAGE, said the detention of d'Imzalene is “a series of state-led attempts to target the Muslim community in particular and the Palestinian movement more broadly.”

“In recent years, we have seen many Muslim organizations shut down, activists arrested and their homes raided,” he said.

The lawyer argued that the Israel lobby is putting pressure on European governments, saying that in many countries in Europe Muslims who oppose the "genocide" in Gaza are sanctioned.

“Last week, the UK government lost a case against Marieha Hussain, who held a placard criticizing politicians who enable genocide,” he said. “At her trial, it was revealed that the Zionist lobby was at the center of the case.”

Mentioning that d'Imzalene has only been able to meet with his family and his lawyer, the official said CAGE, “which gives voice to unjustly detained activists,” has launched a campaign for the 45-year-old's release.

“We join many others who are campaigning for his freedom,” he added.

CAGE International said the detention of d'Imzalene was part of a broader effort by the French government to suppress pro-Palestinian voices through intimidation, which includes police brutality, surveillance, house arrests, raids, and deportation, aiming to instill fear in the Muslim community.

*Writing by Merve Berker