Sports
Karim Benzema considers legal actions over Terrorism allegations
Former Real Madrid striker now of Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema is reportedly contemplating legal action following allegations connecting him to a terrorist organization.
The French forward, who made a high-profile move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad this summer, found himself accused of having ‘notorious’ links to the terrorist organization, “The Muslim Brothers”, by France’s Interior Minister.
The allegations stemmed from Benzema’s social media post where he expressed his concerns about the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel.
As a devout Muslim of Algerian descent, Benzema shared his prayers for the Palestinians affected by what he described as ‘unjust bombings’ by Israel.
The situation escalated when Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin publicly stated on the CNews channel that “Mr. Benzema has notorious links with the Muslim Brotherhood.”
It’s important to note that The Muslim Brotherhood was officially classified as a terrorist organization in 2021 when Austria banned the group under a new anti-terrorism law.
Benzema’s legal team has indicated that they are contemplating taking legal action against the Interior Minister for defamation and manipulation while holding a government position.
Benzema’s lawyer explained their position, stating,
“We are considering proceedings against this minister, applying the law on the manipulation of information endorsed by our government… and charges of defamation or public insult.
“The non-existent link he claims exists with the Muslim Brotherhood is presented in a derogatory manner.”
Additionally, Benzema is said to be considering legal action against French MEP Nadine Morano, who criticized his tweet, suggesting that it labeled him an enemy of Israel.
Morano stated,
“Just by writing that, he is an agent of Hamas propaganda because Hamas has a strategy to physically destroy Israel, but also to destroy Israel through international public opinion.”