Preliminary investigation for “apology of terrorism” against Nice football player Youcef Atal, after controversial comments on the conflict between Israel and Hamas

The Nice prosecutor announced Monday the opening of a preliminary investigation for “apology of terrorism” against OGC Nice football player Youcef Atal, suspected of having relayed controversial comments linked to the conflict between Israel and the movement. Palestinian Hamas.

Since this Saturday, October 14, reactions have multiplied to denounce the publication on the Instagram account of the Algerian international player of a video of a preacher making, according to these sources, anti-Semitic remarks calling for violence.

This post has since been deleted by the OGC Nice (L1) defender, who apologized, and AFP has not been able to independently verify its content. During the weekend, the ethics council of the French Football Federation (FFF) was contacted and the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (Crif) raised a complaint if the content of the remarks denounced was confirmed by ” a sworn translation”.

In its short press release, the prosecution specified that it had been informed by the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Hugues Moutouh, and the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi (Horizons) “of facts likely to be attributed (to Mr. Atal) with the broadcast messages on social networks last week. The investigation, also opened for “provocation to hatred or violence on the basis of a specific religion”, was entrusted to the Nice judicial police. On Sunday, the president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, denounced “the calls for violence relayed” by the 27-year-old player. “They are contrary to the ethics of our sport and the values ​​that football tirelessly defends.”

On Instagram, the player reacted on Sunday: “I am aware that my publication shocked several people, which was not my intention and I apologize for that.” “I would like to clarify my point of view without any ambiguity: I strongly condemn all forms of violence, anywhere in the world, and I support all victims. I will never support a message of hatred,” he assured, without explaining why he had shared the video. These apologies have not dampened the criticism. In a press release, Senator LR Stéphane Le Rudulier called on OGC Nice to exclude the player and asked the Minister of Sports for “exemplary and historic sanctions”.