Paris (AFP) – Karim Benzema filed a defamation lawsuit on Tuesday against French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who last year said the former Real Madrid star had “notorious” links to the Muslim Brotherhood.
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Darmanin, a hard-right with plans for the French presidency, criticized Benzema after the former France striker and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner posted on X (formerly Twitter) in mid-October in support of the people of Gaza, who , he claimed, were victims of “unjust bombings” carried out by Israel in retaliation for the bloody October 7 Hamas attack.
Darmanin responded to Benzema’s post by claiming the player “has a notorious connection with the Muslim Brotherhood”, a Sunni Muslim Islamist group originating in Egypt.
Benzema’s complaint, filed by lawyer Hugues Vigier and seen by AFP, says the remarks “undermine” the player’s honor and reputation.
In his complaint, Benzema, who plays for Saudi club Al-Ittihad and is a Muslim, says he has “never had the slightest association with the Muslim Brotherhood organization, nor knowledge of anyone who claims to be a member of it.” “.
He added: “I know the extent to which, because of my reputation, I am used in political games, which are all the more scandalous given that the dramatic events of October 7 deserve something completely different from these kinds of statements. “
In October, Darmanin said he had “nothing against” Benzema but was “surprised” the footballer did not tweet in support of the Israelis killed in the Hamas attack or the French teacher who was stabbed to death from an Islamist ex-student earlier. this month.
“I asked him publicly to tweet about that teacher who, for nothing, is dead because of Islamic terrorism, and he didn’t,” the minister later said during a visit to Abu Dhabi.
Darmanin also referred to Benzema’s refusal to sing the national anthem when playing for France and his “social media conversion”.
The complaint has been submitted to the Cour de justice, the only French court competent to prosecute members of the government for offenses committed in the exercise of their duties.
© 2024 AFP