French Activist Faces Terrorism Charges Over Social Media Posts Supporting Palestine

Lyon, France – A 60-year-old French activist is preparing to defend himself against accusations of “apology of terrorism” stemming from Facebook posts dating back to 2022, a case that has ignited debate about freedom of speech and the criminalization of political expression. Yamin Makri, a longtime advocate against racism, Islamophobia, and for secularism, is scheduled to appear in court on December 10th.

The charges relate to Makri’s sharing of communications from Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, concerning the situation in Palestine. According to the Lyon prosecutor’s office, Makri is accused of “publicly praising an act of terrorism committed through an online public communication service, as well as inciting public hatred or violence based on origin, ethnicity, nation, race, or religion.”

“In 30 years of activism, I have never been questioned by the justice system, never judged for anything,” Makri told reporters. “This is the first time I will see what a courtroom looks like. I am quite shocked.”

A Chilling Effect on Activism?

Makri’s case comes amid a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices in Europe, particularly following the October 7th attacks by Hamas and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. Human rights organizations have expressed concern that governments are using counter-terrorism laws to suppress legitimate political dissent and criticism of Israeli policies.

According to a recent report by Amnesty International, there has been a significant increase in restrictions on freedom of expression related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in several European countries, including France. The report highlights instances of protests being banned, activists being arrested, and social media accounts being suspended.

“I interpret this as state repression, a desire to discourage other activists from engaging in the Palestinian cause,” Makri stated. “It’s a power play, using the legal system to create a climate of suspicion and arbitrary accusation.”

Judicial Overreach and Financial Restrictions

The legal proceedings have been marked by what Makri describes as judicial overreach. Initially, he was placed under house arrest, required to report to police monthly, and banned from using Facebook and Telegram. While a judge of liberties initially rejected these conditions as excessive, the prosecution appealed, ultimately securing a ban on all social media platforms for Makri.

Adding to his difficulties, Makri’s financial assets have been frozen, leaving him without access to his bank accounts during the investigation. He emphasizes that he is a father and a contributing member of society, and the financial restrictions are causing significant hardship.

He is also facing a separate charge related to a protest in Vénissieux, where he and others were accused of displaying images of children without their parents’ consent during a campaign highlighting the situation in Gaza. The prosecution alleges a violation of privacy laws, despite the images already being widely circulated.

“My Struggle Will Not Weaken”

Despite the mounting legal challenges and personal difficulties, Makri remains defiant. “I have always had the same discourse in my support for Palestine, my actions have always been public, my incomprehension in the face of the injustices experienced by Palestinians too. This proves that something is changing,” he said.

“Even if everything is possible, even potential imprisonment, I am not too afraid of the trial next week. Despite all the procedures, my struggle will not weaken. It encourages me, on the contrary, to continue the fight even more.”

The prosecution declined to provide further details on the specifics of the cases.