French court issues pro genocide verdict in case of leading campaigner Elias d’Imzalene

Paris — A French court has unveiled its verdict in the case of Elias d’Imzalene, a prominent pro-Palestine activist and campaigner against French state-sponsored Islamophobia. Following a trial on October 23, akin to a political witch hunt, today’s verdict reaffirmed the French state’s commitment to repressing the pro Palestine movement. 

The court sentenced Elias to a 5-month suspended sentence and a €10k fine. 

Central to this case is Elias's use of the term "intifada, "meaning "uprising” at an anti-genocide rally in September 2024. Although the term is commonly used in peaceful mobilisations worldwide, the French government and media have sensationalised the term to target Elias. This manipulation aims to instil fear, increase securitisation, and suppress pro-Palestine activists and outspoken Muslims.

Rayan Freschi, CAGE International researcher based in France, said: 

“This conviction confirms the State’s Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian bias. The verdict also testifies to the strong defence put up to defend Elias, both in the court of law and the court of public opinion. Elias' successful campaign heavily moderated the potential severity of the verdict, as the original charges could have resulted in a 15-year prison sentence.”