French Foreign Minister Calls for Sanctions Against MEP Rima Hassan
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
French Foreign Minister has called for severe sanctions against European Parliament member Rima Hassan after she allegedly removed the Israeli flag from an exhibition honoring October 7th victims. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is taking the accusations seriously and initiating disciplinary procedures. Hassan's office admitted to removing the flag but denied damaging it, calling it a protest against Israeli policy. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the act, calling it shameful and disrespectful.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- French Foreign Minister called for severe sanctions against MEP Rima Hassan for removing the Israeli flag.
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is investigating the incident and considering disciplinary action.
- Hassan's office confirmed removing the Israeli flag but denied trampling or damaging it.
- The incident involved an exhibition commemorating victims of the October 7th attacks in Israel.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Hassan's actions as shameful and disrespectful.
French Foreign Minister has called for strict sanctions against Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament, following allegations that she removed the Israeli flag from an exhibition commemorating the victims of the October 7th attacks. The minister stated that if the accusations are true, they warrant "severe and deterrent sanctions from the European Parliament." He expressed hope that memorial events could proceed respectfully, remembering the 51 French citizens who died in the tragedy.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also addressed the incident, viewing the accusations against Hassan with great seriousness. Metsola confirmed that the MEP was documented seemingly vandalizing an exhibition honoring the victims of the October 7th terror attack. She assured that appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken in accordance with procedures, while upholding Hassan's right to be heard. Hassan is expected to provide explanations to Metsola, who will decide on any disciplinary action.
A spokesperson for the Parliament confirmed the event was documented and is under review. Hassan's office acknowledged she removed the Israeli flag but denied claims of trampling or damaging flags. They stated the EU flag fell accidentally due to instability and that no flag was trampled or damaged. Her office characterized the act as a protest against Israeli government policy, not directed at the victims or their memory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the act as "shameful, insolent, but unfortunately not surprising," criticizing Hassan's lack of respect for the institution she serves. He thanked Metsola and other MEPs for their condemnation and for assuring that the offense would be treated with the utmost severity. Hassan, a French politician of Palestinian origin associated with the radical left, has a history of controversial actions against Israel, including being previously denied entry to Israel and participating in a Gaza flotilla.
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