Marseille: French lawyer Rafik Chekkat has accused France of using the charge of 'terrorist propaganda' to silence critics of actions in Gaza. On Tuesday, Chekkat highlighted that this charge is increasingly being leveraged against individuals who speak out against crimes committed in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, French political scientist Francois Burgat, known for his expertise on the Arab world, was detained on July 9, 2024, in Aix-en-Provence. He faced charges of 'terrorist propaganda' following a complaint from the European Jewish Organization (OJE) regarding his social media posts from January 2024, which addressed Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Chekkat, who is also one of Burgat's lawyers and a member of the Marseille Bar Association, stated that 'terrorist propaganda' and 'incitement to hatred and discrimination' are frequently used to stifle responses to Gaza-related crimes. He noted that individuals might face one or both charges simultaneously, as in Burgat's case.
Burgat was released on the day of his arrest and later appeared before a judge at the Aix-en-Provence Criminal Court. The prosecution has requested an eight-month suspended prison sentence, a fine of approximately $4,550, and a six-month ban on posting on the social media platform X. Despite his expertise in terrorism-related issues, Burgat is now being prosecuted for 'terrorist propaganda,' Chekkat emphasized. The court's verdict is expected on May 28.
Chekkat argued that Burgat's case is indicative of a broader pattern of suppressing criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. He explained that the 'terrorist propaganda' law, initially aimed at curbing recruitment by terrorist organizations online, is now being used to silence dissent on Palestine.
Chekkat further stated that this is merely the 'visible tip of the oppressive iceberg,' indicating that not only prominent figures like Burgat but also lesser-known individuals have been targeted. He revealed that activists, unaffiliated individuals, and ordinary citizens have faced questioning, prosecution, and, in some cases, convictions under the 'terrorist propaganda' charge.