Europe: Manuel Bompard responds to the controversy caused by the presence of Rima Hasan on the LFI list

“She’s a brilliant person. » As France Insoumise (LFI) begins its campaign for the 2024 European Union elections this Saturday, the party’s coordinator reacted in the morning to the controversy caused by the presence of controversial Franco-Palestinian activist Rima Hassan on their list. “She is the person who will bring into this campaign the demand for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” Manuel Bompard said on the website franceinfo, adding that “it is a source of pride” to carry this demand with her.

Condemning what he says is the inaction of France and the European Union to end the conflict, the rebel MP believes that “by sending Rima Hassan and the MEPs from rebel France to the European Parliament, you will get the votes that will take the stand that will fight.” “that she fulfills her obligations with us,” he assured, adding that this list only includes “people who share common goals.”

Rima Hassan, a 31-year-old lawyer and refugee specialist who grew up in a camp in Syria, is accused of making comments against Israel. In an interview with Le Crayon after October 7, she assessed that it was “true” that Hamas was carrying out legitimate activities. Rimma Hassan defended herself, explaining that the interview had been cut, regretting “censorship.”

She also describes the State of Israel as a “fascist colonial entity” that “lies every day.” Another controversial statement by Rima Hasan: her use of the slogan “from the river (Jordan) to the sea (Mediterranean),” an expression that some associate with the destruction of Israel. “ “I ask that all Palestinians, wherever they live, be freed from all this oppression, from the Jordan to the sea,” she defended.

“Smear campaigns”

Manuel Bompard denounced “fake news” on Franceinfo. According to the rebel elected official, “Reema Hassan said exactly: I fight for equal rights from the sea to the Jordan. This means recognition of the State of Palestine, as provided for in international law since 1967,” he explained. The rebel party’s coordinator criticized “smear campaigns against her based on false information” and called for them to “stop immediately.”

In February, Forbes magazine, which last year named Rima Hassan among the world’s 40 most powerful women, decided to cancel the 40 Women of 2023 ceremony due to controversy caused by the presence of the Palestinian cause figure. “A campaign of cyber harassment was immediately launched against her,” said Manuel Bompard. According to him, Rima Hassan is accused of “carrying the voice of peace” and “demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”

A Franco-Palestinian activist is due to attend the opening of LFI’s European campaign at the Villepinte exhibition center (Seine-Saint-Denis), where more than 3,000 activists are expected to attend.