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Rabat – Algerian international footballer Youcef Atal is set to face trial in France today on charges of “inciting hatred” after he posed social media content expressing support for Gaza amid the Israeli offensive.
Atal, who plays for Ligue 1 club Nice, reportedly shared a video on his Instagram shortly after the new cycle of violence erupted on October 7. The video featured Palestinian preacher Mahmoud Al Hasanat addressing the devastating situation in Gaza, and calling for support to Palestinians in their plight.
The preacher also reportedly advocated for a “dark day for the Jews.” The 27-year-old footballer later issued an apology and deleted the post.
The player was initially suspended by his club while prosecutors investigated the incident for suspected “justification of terrorism.”
The investigation led to charges of “incitement to religious hatred” and “glorifying terrorism.”
Two associations, the International League against Racism and anti-Semitism (Licra) and the Jewish Observatory of France, have filed civil actions against the player.
If found guilty, Atal could face up to one year in prison and a fine of €45,000, France 24 reported. The footballer is currently under judicial supervision with restrictions on international travel, permitted only for professional football commitments.
Read also: Former German MP Files Complaint Against Mazraoui for Palestine Support
Atal’s club suspended him “until further notice,” and the French league’s governing body LFP imposed a seven-match ban on him.
According to France24, Some of his Algerian teammates have appealed for leniency, highlighting that Atal had apologized, claiming he had not watched the video in its entirety before sharing it.
Atal is one of many players who received backlash and harassment for expressing support for Palestine and condemning Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, which claimed the lives of nearly 20,00 Palestinians.
This includes Moroccan footballer Noussair Mazraoui, who was harassed by both German media and his club Bayern Munich for his pro-Palestine stance.
In addition, France’s Minister of the Interior Gerald Darmanin accused French-Algerian player Karim Benzema of having ties with the “Muslim Brotherhood” after he voiced his support for Palestine.
