Paris prosecutors are examining a complaint filed by LFI MP Gabrielle Cathala against macroniste MP Caroline Yadan, accused of spreading false news about UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. The complaint follows tense exchanges in the National Assembly in late February. Prosecutors will decide whether to open an investigation.
Paris prosecutors have received a complaint targeting MP Caroline Yadan, according to a source close to the case cited by AFP. La France insoumise (LFI) MP Gabrielle Cathala accuses her macroniste counterpart of spreading "false news" about Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories.
On February 12, Ms. Cathala filed the complaint two days after a government questions session. There, Ms. Yadan questioned Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot about statements by Ms. Albanese, accusing her of antisemitism by claiming she had labeled "Israel as a common enemy of humanity." Mr. Barrot condemned these as "outrageous and culpable" remarks and called for the rapporteur's resignation.
The disputed comments came during a video conference at an Al Jazeera forum. Ms. Albanese referred to a "common enemy" enabling a "genocide" in Gaza, pointing to countries arming Israel and providing political and economic support. She defended herself on France 24: "I never, never, never said 'Israel is the common enemy of humanity.'"
In her complaint, Ms. Cathala highlights a post by Ms. Yadan on X and a letter co-signed by about fifty macroniste MPs repeating the claims. The letter states these actions had "serious diplomatic consequences" by influencing France's position. The complaint also targets Hillel Neuer, director of an organization, and Shannon Seban, a local elected official from Seine-Saint-Denis, for spreading false news.
After analysis, Paris prosecutors will decide whether to open an investigation.
