Trial of François Burgat for Solidarity with Palestine Is an Assault on Free Expression

London - CAGE International stands in unwavering solidarity with François Burgat, a distinguished French scholar and academic, for his defence and support of the Palestinian cause. Burgat will stand trial on the 24th of April on charges of “glorification of terrorism.” These politicised charges are not only baseless but represent a dangerous assault on the fundamental principles of free expression and intellectual inquiry.

Burgat has dedicated his life to understanding the complex dynamics of the Muslim world and the impacts of western policies in the Middle East. Criminalising speech in support of Palestinians and their right to resist sets a chilling precedent, where defending the rights of the oppressed becomes a punishable act.

The erosion of academic freedom and freedom of speech threatens not only scholars but all who believe in opposing apartheid and ethnic cleansing.

Silencing anti-genocide voices through judicial harassment is a tactic of authoritarianism.

We urge fellow academics, writers, activists, and all defenders of freedom to raise their voices in support of François Burgat. 

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

“The prosecution of François Burgat is not an isolated case but part of a wider crackdown on dissenting voices. We are witnessing a systematic effort to stifle, critique and suppress discussions that challenge official narratives on Palestine and Islamophobia.

By targeting prominent intellectuals like François Burgat, the State seeks to create an atmosphere of fear, discouraging others from speaking out.”