• Elias d’Imzalene faces a politically motivated trial in France for using the term “intifada” at an anti-genocide rally.
• Elias is charged with incitement to hatred, violence, and undermining national interests, carrying a potential 15-year prison sentence.
Elias d’Imzalene stands trial today in what is widely seen as a politically motivated attack on an outspoken critic of French state-sponsored Islamophobia.
At the heart of this trial is Elias’s use of the term “intifada,” meaning “uprising,” during an anti-genocide rally in September 2024. Though the term is commonly used in peaceful mobilisations across the globe, the French government and media have deliberately sensationalised it to target Elias. Many have attributed this tactic to foster fear and suppress vocal Muslim advocates.
Elias has consistently promoted non-violent resistance to genocide and state-sponsored Islamophobia. Yet, the trumped-up charges of inciting hatred and violence for using the word “intifada” carry the potential for a prison sentence of up to 15 years. He faces charges of:
1. Incitement to hatred or violence against individuals or groups based on origin, nationality, race, or religion.
2. Aggravated public incitement to commit intentional acts of violence against life or physical integrity.
3. Public incitement to commit crimes or offences undermining the fundamental interests of the nation.
These charges directly threaten fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression.
Similar patterns have been seen in the UK, exemplified by the case of Marieha Hussain and arrests during pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Polls indicate that half of the population of France supports sanctions and an arms trade ban against Israel. Nonetheless, the pro-Israel political elite seeks to erode this support by targeting prominent figures and fuelling anti-Muslim prejudices.
