UN rapporteurs raise concerns over legal proceedings against Rima Hassan

Five United Nations special rapporteurs have expressed ‘vives préoccupations’ (deep concerns) regarding the legal and political proceedings against Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan. The rapporteurs, who are mandated by the Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the UN as a whole, sent inquiries to the French government in June regarding the multiple legal actions taken against her.

The rapporteurs expressed fear that these measures might constitute ‘harcèlement judiciaire et politique’ (judicial and political harassment) and could reflect a growing trend of repression by French authorities against voices defending Palestinian rights. They noted potential risks to human rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination.

Rima Hassan is scheduled to appear in court on October 19 and 20 for charges of ‘apologie du terrorisme’ (apology for terrorism) related to a post on X (formerly Twitter) mentioning Kozo Okamoto. Her lawyer, Vincent Brengarth, stated that the rapporteurs' communication validates concerns regarding the criminalization and restriction of freedom of expression for those supporting Palestinians in France.