By Anadolu staff
A renowned French political scientist who supports the cause of besieged Gaza has been placed in custody for “advocacy of terrorism,” his lawyer said Tuesday.
Francois Burgat was detained by police in the southern city of Aix-en-Provence over his alleged “advocacy of terrorism,” lawyer Rafik Chekkat said on X.
The European Jewish Organization filed a complaint about the expert on the Arab world and Islamophobia for reposting a post on X this Jan. 2, Chekkat told Anadolu.
“Burgat is giving honest answers and refers to his status as a researcher and the books he wrote. He said that he was also heard at the National Assembly, the Senate, the Criminal Court, etc. He was asked questions about the conflict and he had the opportunity to express himself,” the lawyer explained.
Burgat has openly expressed his support for Gaza in various statements and said in a post on X earlier this year that he has “infinitely more respect and appreciation for the leaders of Hamas than the leaders of the state of Israel.”
He has also criticized France's stance on Hamas, calling it a capitulation to US and Israeli policy.