An exclusive report by NGO EU Watch criticizes the European Parliament's persistent silence on controversial positions by LFI MEP Rima Hassan since 2024. The institution defends itself by citing the limits of its prerogatives. The document draws on 21 public facts and seven ongoing penal procedures.
NGO EU Watch, the Brussels equivalent of UN Watch, released a report criticizing the European Parliament's lack of disciplinary action against Rima Hassan, elected in 2024 under La France Insoumise (LFI). Samuel Madar, the NGO's executive director, states: « The European Parliament is sometimes able to react. But if it explains why it reacts, it does not say why it does not react ».
The report outlines a timeline of controversial statements, from Rima Hassan's participation in the Maghreb-Machrek Forum in Tunis on May 10, 2024, with Hamas representatives present, to tributes to Hamas figures like Ismaïl Haniyeh in August 2024 or Yahya Sinwar in January 2025. Cited facts include refusing to label the October 7 attack as terrorism, legitimizing « armed resistance », and describing Zionism as a « racist and colonialist ideology ». MEPs, including Assita Kanko, contacted Roberta Metsola without response.
Rima Hassan faces several judicial proceedings in France, including a trial on July 7 for « apologie du terrorisme » and custody on April 2-3, 2026, after a tweet about Kōzō Okamoto. She denounces « judicial and political harassment ». The Parliament issued a reprimand on March 10, 2026, for secretly recording a colleague, but took no action on immunity despite requests.
Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe, states: « Immunity is not impunity [...] every elected official must answer for their actions and words ». The NGO warns of potential radicalization encouraging online harassment.
