French MEP Rima Hassan meets Palestinian detainee, ignores terror and attempted murder allegations

Far-left French politician Rima Hassan visited a Palestinian detainee named Ali in Val d'Oise prison, sparking controversy for omitting details about the charges against him. Hassan, along with lawmakers Gabrielle Cathala, Thomas Portes, and Sabrina Sebaihi, described Ali as a Palestinian refugee held for two years on accusations from the "Israeli colonial state." Hassan criticized France for siding with his alleged oppressor without awaiting trial.

However, Ali was indicted in May 2024 for "terrorist criminal association, financing terrorism, and complicity in attempted murder in connection with a terrorist enterprise." These charges stem from alleged acts committed in the West Bank between April and September 2023, following a communication from Israeli justice authorities to French officials. While Ali disputes the accusations and claims they originated from Israel, his refugee status, granted in 2020, was withdrawn by the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons in February 2025.

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held in pretrial detention for two years on the basis of accusations from the Israeli colonial state.

According to Europe 1, the group of politicians allegedly violated prison rules during their visit. These rules prohibit discussing detainees' legal cases and requesting specific detainees without judicial authorization. Hassan reportedly spoke with Ali in Arabic, a prohibited language in this context, hugged him multiple times, and discussed his legal proceedings. Ali, who maintains his innocence, faces the possibility of life imprisonment and has become a figurehead for pro-Palestine advocacy, with a protest planned for his release.

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France has stripped him of his refugee status and sided with his oppressor without even waiting for him to be tried.