MEP Rima Hassan Pursues Empathy After Death Threat Over Israeli Flag Incident
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
European Parliament member Rima Hassan filed a complaint for death threats after an Instagram user posted a video of himself with a rifle and Israeli flag, challenging her. The incident followed Hassan removing an Israeli flag from an exhibition. She later spoke with the user, describing him as remorseful, and stated empathy was the "right option." Hassan herself faces numerous legal cases, which she attributes to political harassment for her pro-Palestinian stance.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MEP Rima Hassan filed a complaint for death threats after an Instagram user posted a video with a rifle and Israeli flag.
- The incident occurred after Hassan removed an Israeli flag from a European Parliament exhibition honoring October 7th victims.
- Hassan reported speaking with the user, describing him as remorseful and stating empathy was the "right option."
- The user, Adrien J., admitted to acting in anger but maintained his support for Israel.
- Hassan faces 22 legal proceedings, including a trial for glorifying terrorism.
- Hassan claims the legal actions are political and judicial harassment due to her pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament for LFI, has filed a complaint for death threats after an Instagram user, Adrien J., posted a video of himself holding a rifle with an Israeli flag, challenging Hassan to "come get it" and warning her to "be careful." The incident followed Hassan's removal of an Israeli flag from a display at the European Parliament on October 6, which was part of an exhibition honoring victims of the October 7th attacks.
Hassan later reported on X (formerly Twitter) that she had a lengthy conversation with Adrien J., describing him as a "family man" who regretted his actions and was troubled by the situation. She stated that he had formed a distorted image of her based on political and media discourse and that empathy was "the right option." Adrien J. confirmed the exchange in a new video, admitting he went too far in anger but maintaining his support for Israel. He did not request the withdrawal of Hassan's complaint, and her lawyer, Vincent Brengarth, noted that regrets do not halt legal proceedings.
Hassan expressed sensitivity to the potential repercussions of the affair on Adrien J.'s wife and children, stating she does not engage in politics for people to end up in such distress. The article also references past controversies involving Hassan, including a complaint filed against her by MEP François-Xavier Bellamy for allegedly inciting online hatred, and accusations from Le Parisien newspaper and the Israeli NGO Regavim that she targeted individuals, leading to online attacks.
Hassan has denied misrepresenting her words in these cases and has also pursued legal action. She faces 22 legal proceedings herself, including a trial for glorifying terrorism, which she characterizes as political and judicial harassment related to her advocacy for the Palestinian cause.
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