France’s Double Standards on Freedom: Secular Journalist Calls Out Nation’s Hostility Toward Islam
"Freedom of expression in France is nothing but a sham."
France has faced a crucial test in upholding its motto of “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” impartially, especially amid the Israeli war crimes in Palestine and the public reactions they have sparked—a test in which it has evidently fallen short.
French-Moroccan journalist Zineb el-Rhazoui revealed that French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has filed a lawsuit against her on charges of “promoting terrorism” following an interview she gave on October 4, 2024, to Yeni Safak, where she spoke about the genocide on the Palestinian people.
A Real Test
In an October 15, 2024, post on X, Minister Retailleau announced he had referred the matter to the judiciary, confirming he filed a complaint against el-Rhazoui for her comments stating that “there are no civilians in Israel,” claiming instead that they are “settlers on a land that isn’t theirs.”
In her own post on the same platform, el-Rhazoui said she spoke in line with her conscience regarding what she termed the “war of extermination” endured by the Palestinians.
El-Rhazoui explained that the lawsuit represents “an attempt by France to cover up the crimes committed by the Israeli Occupation against the Palestinian people.”
She described the legal action as “a reflection of the moral collapse of states that support the Zionist entity [‘Israel’].”
Expressing her dismay, she criticized France for supporting Israeli crimes against Palestinians, despite claiming to be a “symbol of freedom.”
“I will not condemn the October 7 attack because I haven’t seen any condemnation of colonization, occupation, heavy bombardment of civilians, child killings, or sexual violence,” she said.
In his analysis, France-based political activist Mohamed Tafraouti said, “The decision by French authorities to revoke the Simone Veil Award from journalist Zineb el-Rhazoui and to pursue legal action against her has sparked significant controversy in France.”
“Many activists and proponents of free expression see this as a blatant contradiction in France's position on freedom of speech,” Taferouti told Al-Estiklal.
“France strongly defended free speech when Charlie Hebdo was criticized for its offensive depiction of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), presenting el-Rhazoui at the time as a staunch defender of this freedom. She was celebrated across media platforms as a symbol of modernity.”
“However, when el-Rhazoui severely criticized Israeli crimes, labeling them as ‘barbaric,’ she faced widespread backlash, was excluded from media platforms, and was accused of anti-Semitism”, he added.
“This situation reveals a substantial gap between France and the West's claims of commitment to democracy and human rights, and the reality on the ground.”
The political activist pointed out that many opinions within and outside France suggest that “freedom of expression is used to serve political and historical interests, especially concerning the Israeli Occupation and the Jewish community, which often leads to criticisms of Israel being labeled as anti-Semitism.”
“These measures are part of a broader effort to suppress pro-Palestinian voices, including banning demonstrations and legal prosecutions, which constitutes a clear restriction on free expression regarding criticism of Israel.”
“These policy contradictions put France in a challenging position as it tries to balance the protection of free speech with respect for historical and political sensitivities, raising questions about the credibility of the principles on which the French Republic is founded,” Taferouti concluded.
The Silenced Human
In his commentary, academic researcher Ali Fadli said Zineb el-Rhazoui, for those unfamiliar with her, is the founder of MALI — the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms — and a staunch advocate for individual freedoms, often in their most extreme forms.
Fadli told Al-Estiklal that el-Rhazoui had become an “icon” for proponents of individual liberty and a strong opponent of “extremists,” with the West opening the doors to fame and fortune wide for her.
“Given her fame, France wholeheartedly embraced her, awarding her several prestigious honors, most notably the Simone Veil Award in 2019, named after the French Holocaust survivor. This award recognized her efforts in 'defending secularism, combating extremism, and promoting gender equality.’”
“She was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, and worked for Charlie Hebdo, known for its provocations against Islamic symbols and sacred beliefs. Due to her anti-Islam positions, French authorities provided her with special security protection,” he added.
However, Fadli said, “Operation al-Aqsa Flood uncovered el-Rhazoui's inner self, leading her to a dramatic shift in stance. She went as far as to say that there are no civilians in Israel, claiming ‘all its inhabitants are soldiers,’ a view that even some Islamist groups and Palestinians themselves have not dared to voice.”
“She defended the October 7, 2023 attack and expressed support for Hamas, refusing to condemn it, comparing Israel to Daesh [ISIS] and drawing parallels between the plight of Palestinians and the Jewish Holocaust.”
As a result, Fadli said France erupted in an unexpected backlash, leaving the “Capital of Light and Freedom” in shock and even leading to an official judicial investigation into her statements.
Fadli noted that “in an exceptional display of integrity, El Rhazoui stood firmly by her words, declaring her unwavering belief in her statements."
The academic researcher saw el-Rhazoui's remarks as a revelation of “the hypocritical and ruthless nature of the West, shattering illusions for those who once idolized it.”
A Stark Contradiction
The journalist, who often challenged the core values of Islam, courageously admitted that she was deceived by Western ideals, which she now sees as hypocritical. She faces charges of “glorifying terrorism” due to her principled stance against Israeli crimes and support for the Palestinian people.
The head of France’s Île-de-France region rescinded the Simone Veil Award, previously granted to el-Rhazoui in 2019, after she compared the situation in Gaza to the Holocaust. “I was awarded the prize in the name of free speech, only to have it revoked when I used that freedom to express my deep sorrow at the dehumanization of Palestinians,” she said.
In an interview with Al-Jazeera Mubasher on October 16, 2024, el-Rhazoui condemned “the growing racism against Arabs in France,” accusing the government of “collusion with the Zionist entity [‘Israel’].”
She said the current reality in France “reveals significant contradictions between the country’s stated values and actual practices,” adding, “Freedom of expression in France is nothing but a sham.”
El-Rhazoui also criticized the double standards in freedom of expression, where criticism of religions is permitted, yet criticizing Israeli Occupation is off-limits.
“I once believed in the great deception in France—that of supposed equality among religions and equality in patriotism. But this is not true; secularism in France is only directed at one religion: Islam.”
“We saw that those who encouraged attacks on Islam in the name of secularism are the same ones supporting the crimes of Israel in Gaza; racism has bared its fangs in France,” she added.
The journalist expressed her willingness to pay the price for her stance, saying, “I will gladly bear any cost for speaking the truth; this is the least I can do.”
“We are witnessing masks falling away, exposing more lies and degradation in these societies.”
A Political Test
In light of these developments, Hespress raised a troubling question that many have been grappling with: “At what point does freedom of expression give way to censorship masked as a means of preserving public order?”
In an October 18, 2024 article, the newspaper argued that “the real issue in this case goes beyond el-Rhazoui’s words.”
“This is an ideological battle between those advocating for absolute freedom of expression and those who believe limits must be set, especially on sensitive issues like terrorism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
According to the article, “the legal response to this case could broadly shape public discourse on the Palestinian issue in France, and more widely, on freedom of expression when it pertains to national security matters.”
It also brought to light a more profound issue: “It also brought to light a more profound issue: France’s unwavering support for Israel, where any criticism is swiftly suppressed, while appeals for justice for Palestinian victims go ignored. Is France, which prides itself on being a champion of freedom, sacrificing the diversity of opinions in service of its foreign policy?”
“Can France still strike a balance between freedom of expression and the fight against terrorism, or are we witnessing a concerning shift toward political censorship that undermines democracy’s very foundations?”
In the same context, Howiya Press noted that “this is not the first time France’s professed commitment to freedom has been put to the test. Each instance reveals a selective approach to liberty that sacrifices the rights of minorities and dissenters who diverge from the prevailing mainstream opinion.”
In an October 21, 2024 article, the newspaper said these events are “a lesson for advocates of boundless personal freedoms in Moroccan and other Arab and Islamic societies, as well as those managing Western organizations in their countries.”
“This serves as a reminder that France and its institutions prioritize compliance. When that compliance falters, opposition to French stances is met not with respect or support, but with bans and legal action,” as per the newspaper.
Systematic Restriction
Reflecting on how el-Rhazoui's case ties into France’s stance on public expressions regarding Palestine, political activist Mohamed Tefraouti noted that “the Palestinian issue continues to resonate widely within French society, despite all the restrictions.”
“Several cities have witnessed demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians and protests against the Israeli Occupation,” Tefraouti told Al-Estiklal.
“As violence in Gaza has escalated, a wave of public sympathy for Palestinians has risen, especially among youth, labor unions, and radical left parties such as La France Insoumise.”
Tefraouti added that “many believe there is a deliberate media blackout on the suffering of the Palestinian people, yet demonstrators remain committed to expressing their support for the Palestinian cause,” emphasizing the “need to raise awareness of what is happening in the Israeli-occupied territories.”
On the other hand, “the French authorities’ handling of these movements has sparked significant controversy. The government has banned some pro-Palestinian demonstrations, citing public safety, and has enforced strict measures against protesters and critics, including arrests, fines, even the deportation of some imams and preachers, along with the intimidation and, at times, closure of mosques.”
Tefraouti stressed that “these policies have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and some political parties, who consider them an assault on freedom of expression and an attempt to silence voices of solidarity with Palestinians.”
“Despite all the restrictions imposed by French authorities on the Palestinian cause and expressions of solidarity, the protests over what is happening in Gaza persist and on a large scale,” he concluded.
