Criminal10/20/2026

In France, Prosecutors Sought to Punish Rima Hassan for “Glorification of Terrorism”

French prosecutors asked a Paris court to sentence Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan to a 10-month suspended prison term. The charge concerns the publication of a quotation by Kozo Okamoto, one of the participants in the 1972 Lod Airport attack.

Key facts

•The defendant: Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan
•The court: A court in Paris; its exact name was not specified
•The request: A 10-month suspended prison term
•Additional measure: A two-year ban on holding public office
•Basis of the charge: “Glorification of terrorism”
•The case number and statutory provision were not specified

What Led to the Proceedings

On March 26, Hassan posted on the social media platform X a statement by Kozo Okamoto about armed resistance. The post was later removed. Okamoto led the group that carried out the May 30, 1972 attack at Lod Airport, in which 24 people were killed.

What the Prosecution Is Seeking

The prosecution is asking that Hassan be sentenced to a 10-month suspended prison term and barred from holding public office for two years. She is accused of “glorification of terrorism.” The source does not state the case number, the specific provision of French law, or the date on which the decision will be issued.

Who Is Rima Hassan?

Hassan represents France in the European Parliament and is known for her harsh criticism of Israel. In December 2024, a complaint was also filed against her over a text about the right of French people of Palestinian origin to join the armed Palestinian resistance. The article does not state how that complaint was resolved.

No Decision Has Yet Been Issued

The position described is the prosecution’s request, not a court judgment. The Ynet report did not provide the court’s conclusions regarding Hassan’s guilt and did not state when a decision is expected. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that the sentence has already been imposed.

What this means for you

The proceedings in France do not change Israeli legislation and do not, in themselves, create new rules for residents of Israel. However, the case is directly connected to the Lod Airport attack and illustrates that the public dissemination of statements by participants in terrorist attacks may lead to criminal proceedings under the laws of another country. The ultimate consequences for Hassan will depend on the French court’s decision.

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Case analysis based on court rulings