Table of Contents
The controversy continues around Rima Hassan‘s speeches. The University of Strasbourg, in turn, banned on Wednesday a conference by the MEP of La France insoumise, scheduled for November 28, the day after a ban imposed by the Paris Institute of Political Studies.
“The president of the University of Strasbourg Michel Deneken banned a conference that I was to give on Thursday, November 28 organized by the Palestine Unistras and Solidaires Étudiants committee and this without any justification,” announced on X the elected official, who he intends to contest this decision, just like in Paris.
According to Rima Hassan, the students were informed by email of “an unfavorable opinion issued concerning the organization” of the conference. “There is a risk of disturbing public order,” confirmed the University of Strasbourg.
A socialist municipal councilor from Strasbourg, Pernelle Richardot, expressed “all (her) support” for the president of the University of Strasbourg, “who has just made a courageous decision,” she wrote on time for our university to stop serving as a platform for supporting small Islamist groups! »
Investigation for “apology of terrorism”
In April, the University of Lille had already banned a conference on the situation in Gaza that Rima Hassan was to give with the leader of the radical left Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The following month, Paris-Dauphine University canceled a similar conference by Rima Hassan. Cancellation ultimately prohibited by the courts.
Our file on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The MEP, who multiplies controversial statements about Israel, is the target of an investigation for “apology of terrorism” after having estimated after October 7 in an interview that it is “true” that the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas is carrying out action legitimate. A truncated interview extract, she assures.
What alternatives to banning a conference does Rima Hassan believe could have been explored to ensure open dialog while maintaining campus safety?
Thank you for joining us today on World Today News. Our first guest is Rima Hassan, the MEP of La France insoumise who was initially scheduled to give a speech at the University of Strasbourg last November. Our second guest is Michel Deneken, the President of the University of Strasbourg who banned the conference.
Rima, let’s start with you. Can you give us your perspective on the situation? How do you feel about the University of Strasbourg banning your conference, and what are your plans moving forward?
Rima: I am disappointed and dismayed by the decision of the University of Strasbourg to ban my conference. I believe that universities should be places where diverse opinions and perspectives are not only tolerated but encouraged. However, I do plan on contesting this decision because it goes against the principles of academic freedom and open dialog.
Michel, can you explain the rationale behind your decision to ban Rima Hassan’s conference? What led you to believe that there would be a risk of disturbing public order?
Michel: The decision to ban Rima Hassan’s conference was made in consultation with the relevant authorities. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure that our campus remains a safe and respectful environment for all students, faculty, and staff. In light of her past controversial statements and the potential for violent protests, we felt it was necessary to take action to prevent any disruptions to the academic mission of the university.
Rima, you have been the target of multiple investigations regarding your statements about Israel and Hamas. Do you feel that these investigations are politically motivated, and how do you respond to accusations that your speeches promote violence?
Rima: I believe that my speeches and statements are being misinterpreted and taken out of context. I have never supported violence nor do I condone terrorism in any shape or form. My comments on Israel and Hamas were made in the context of the ongoing conflict in Palestine, and I stand by my belief that both sides need to work towards finding peaceful solutions.
Michel, how do you respond to claims that banning a conference like this restricts freedom of speech and academic freedom?
Michel: While we strongly support freedom of speech and academic freedom, our primary responsibility is to maintain order and safety on our
