Tribute to the leader of Hamas: Sophia Chikirou deplores a “escalating” controversy
The Insoumise MP, Sophia Chikirou, is at the heart of a controversy after relaying on Instagram a tribute from the son of Ismaïl Haniyeh, former leader of Hamas, recently killed in Tehran. This publication sparked a media and political storm, particularly within the Socialist Party.
Clarification from Sophia Chikirou
In an interview with Libération this Sunday, Sophia Chikirou expressed her dismay at what she describes as “a heated controversy”. She strongly rejected any accusation of supporting Hamas. “I do not support either the political branch of Hamas elected in Gaza, nor its armed wing, whose terrorist acts I condemn,” she declared. The MP stressed that the visuals shared on her Instagram account were not a tribute but a simple transmission of information, without comment on her part.
Withdrawal of the Publication and Political Reactions
Sophia Chikirou deleted the visuals four hours after they were posted, following growing criticism. She expressed concern about the aggressive and disproportionate reactions, and criticized the media for reporting on the controversy.
The first secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, denounced these provocations, affirming that they undermined collective work. Carole Delga, president of the Occitanie region, described the publication as an “abject tribute”, speaking of an “apology of terrorism” and a “mouthpiece for hatred of Jews”. The mayor of Rouen, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, declared that he refused to collaborate with elected officials who endorse such positions.
The International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism (Licra) reacted by calling for Sophia Chikirou to be banned, criticizing complacency within her party. The Union of Jewish Students of France (UEJF) also announced the filing of a complaint for “apology of terrorism”.
Alice Leroy
