A sweeping bill advancing through France’s parliament is set to criminalise wide areas of speech on Israel, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
The legislation, due for its first reading in the National Assembly on 16 April, has secured broad backing across the political spectrum, including support from the far right.
The proposal is spearheaded by French MP Caroline Yadan, a leading figure among lawmakers who openly describe themselves as “unconditional” supporters of Israel.
She represents the 8th constituency for French citizens abroad, where Israel accounts for a significant share of voters, and has made defence of Israel central to her political agenda.
If it’s any consolation, that’s a petition against this bill with about 600k signatures on it (you need to be a French citizen or resident to sign it).