European Parliament Condemns MEP Rima Hassan Over October 7 Flag Incident
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola condemned French MEP Rima Hassan after she was filmed removing Israeli and EU flags from an October 7 exhibition.
A major controversy erupted at the European Parliament following an incident involving anti-Israel French MEP Rima Hassan, who was filmed removing and dropping Israeli and European Union flags. The flags had been placed as part of an exhibition commemorating the October 7 massacre. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed the incident during a plenary session, stating that she views the allegations against Hassan with utmost seriousness. According to Metsola, appropriate procedures are already underway while ensuring the MEP's right to be heard.
Parliament Response and Defense
A European Parliament spokesperson confirmed that the incident was recorded and is currently being reviewed by parliamentary services. Hassan is expected to provide explanations to President Metsola, who will determine whether to impose disciplinary measures. Meanwhile, representatives from Hassan's radical left party, La France Insoumise (LFI), acknowledged that she removed the Israeli flag but denied trampling it. According to her office, the EU flag fell accidentally due to a loss of balance, and no flags were damaged. Her office claimed the action was part of a protest against Israeli government policies rather than a disrespect toward the victims of October 7.
Criticism and Background
Conservative French MEP François-Xavier Bellamy strongly condemned the act, accusing Hassan of importing antisemitic hatred into European institutions. Liberal MEP Nathalie Loiseau also criticized Hassan sharply on social media, writing that LFI had reached a new low. Hassan, a 34-year-old French-Palestinian jurist, has a long history of anti-Israel activism, including supporting boycotts and participating in flotillas to Gaza. Her controversial political stances have previously led to her being denied entry to Israel and facing legal scrutiny in France over allegations related to terrorism support.
