A group of academics from different countries met with a French political scientist known for his work on Islamophobia and the Arab world. François BurgatHe reacted to the detention due to his social media post about Gaza.
L’HumaniteAccording to the newspaper, dozens of academics from different places from London to Beirut condemned the “intimidation methods” that François Burgat was subjected to in a joint statement.
Academics have reacted to the decision to detail the French political scientist over his freedom of expression, highlighting Burgat’s expertise on the Islamic world.
- Rafik Chekkat, acting as Burgat’s lawyer, announced that the detention order was lifted the same day.
- Burgat was targeted on charges of “terrorist propaganda” for his social media post on January 2 about Israel’s attacks on Gaza and was detained in southern France on July 9.
- Academics stated that the fact that Burgat, a name whose expertise was sought, was considered a “suspect” was an indication of a “strong wind” blowing against rights and freedoms in France.
| Academics’ Reaction to Freedom of Expression |
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| He said that François Burgat, like activists, students, union officials and politicians in France, was targeted on charges of “terrorist propaganda”. |
| Academics stressed that Burgat’s detention was against freedom of expression. |
