Some 16 legal complaints or reports have been lodged against her over remarks about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. One has resulted in this trial, two are still pending and 13 did not lead to charges.
Born stateless in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, Hassan has devoted most of her political work to the cause. Her most-criticized stance is that armed action carried out by groups such as Hamas, which the EU classifies as a terrorist organization, can be legitimate in the context of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
“Regarding the struggle for independence and the self-determination of peoples, [Palestinians] have a right to have political figures and activists who engage with these issues … I believe I am being treated precisely as a political opponent on this basis,” she said.
Immunity bypassed
The controversy surrounding Hassan’s trial is not only about substance but also about how the proceedings have unfolded. As an MEP, she is protected by parliamentary immunity, which shields her from arrest unless she is caught committing a crime. Prosecutors have argued that was the case, since the post on X was reported shortly after it was published, which is why police held her in April before being sent to trial.
Hassan said several colleagues, including some from other political groups, had voiced support and had said they believed her immunity had been flagrantly breached. She also said she had met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who expressed support. Metsola’s office did not respond to POLITICO’s request to confirm the meeting.
With France’s presidential election coming next year, Hassan’s party, France Unbowed, and its candidate, Mélenchon, will again make the Palestinian cause a key campaigning point — a tactic that other parties have roundly criticized. Hassan, who has garnered a strong following, is expected to play an important role in the campaign.