Pro-Palestinian student jailed over social media posts calls detention ‘political’

By Feiza Ben Mohamed and Ayse Betul Akcesme

NICE, France (AA) - A pro-Palestinian activist woman, who was detained for 46 days in Nice prison in France for her social media post, called the detention was a “political procedure.”

Amira Zaiter, a nursing student, was arrested on Sept. 16 at her home due to her posts on X related to the situation in Gaza.

After 46 days in detention at Nice prison in France, Zaiter, who was sentenced to three years in prison, including one to be served under electronic surveillance, was released on Nov. 4.

Speaking to Anadolu, 34-year-old Zaiter called the experience a “political procedure.”

Deprived of all contact for the first 22 days of her detention, she recounted how she felt isolated in her ordeal, unaware of the support she had outside.

"During the 46 days in detention, I truly thought I was all alone in the prison, all alone facing the Nice justice system. But as soon as I was released, I realized there was a national and even international wave of solidarity toward me and the charges against me,” she noted.

She said she received support from others who were prosecuted for their stance on the Israeli war on Gaza.

Zaiter said she never thought that her "outrage on social media" could lead "to being sentenced” in “France, a country of human rights, where freedom is regularly emphasized, where freedom of expression is regularly called upon and highlighted.”

"I consider that I was treated completely unfairly, and I feel totally mistreated by the justice system. I was prevented from speaking to my daughter for 22 days. I was not allowed any visits during my detention, and my computer was confiscated even though the investigation showed that nothing incriminating was found on it. I clearly feel that I am undergoing political repression,” she added.

Her sentence, which exceeded the prosecutor’s request for 30 months of prison, including 18 months suspended, shocked many due to its severity.

- Daughter Kenza worries about potential repercussions

Speaking to Anadolu, Zaiter’s daughter Kenza, shared how hard it was for her to endure her mother’s absence.

Kenza, 12, recounted crying frequently and struggling with the situation.

"I don’t understand why someone would be put in prison just for a Twitter post,” she said, adding that she was exposed to negative comments about her mother.

“It makes me sad because it’s not right. I spent 46 days without my mother, it was very hard because I am close to my mother," said Kenza.

Despite Zaiter’s release and the online hate she has faced recently, her daughter remains anxious about potential repercussions.

"I’m sometimes afraid when my mother goes out alone. I’m afraid that people will recognize her, and start saying bad things about her, and so I try to enjoy my time with my mother because we only have one mother in life," Kenza emphasized.

However, the psychological impact of her incarceration and sentence is not the only concern.

- Zaiter prohibited from nursing school

Upon her release from prison, Zaiter received a letter from her nursing school prohibiting her from attending classes, pending a decision from the institution.

"They want to prevent me from continuing my studies even though I have always had good results and pose no threat. I really hope I can return to school soon," she said.

Her lawyer Maitre Rafik Chekkat, representing her in the legal proceedings before the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal, said that “many false things have been said” about his client.

She has been “harassed, slandered, and defamed by many people and groups who will have to answer for their actions in court,” the lawyer added.

Zaiter was heavily sentenced for charges of incitement to hatred, glorification of terrorism, and apologia for crimes against humanity by the Nice criminal court.

In court, she explained that she was overwhelmed by the emotion caused by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and expressed a desire for peace amid a society divided by the conflict.