Rima Hassan Trial: What to Know as the Paris Case Opens

The Rima Hassan trial opened in Paris on 19 October 2026, drawing heavy media attention in France and across the EU. Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament for La France Insoumise (LFI), stands accused of “apologie du terrorisme” — the French offence of condoning terrorism — over a tweet she has since deleted.

What the Rima Hassan trial is about

The case centres on a tweet Hassan posted on 26 March, which quoted Kozo Okamoto, a Japanese militant who took part in the 1972 attack on Tel-Aviv airport in which 26 people were killed. The tweet was flagged to prosecutors by France’s Interior Ministry and subsequently by the Organisation juive européenne (OJE) and Licra, the anti-racism association. Following those reports, Hassan was placed in garde à vue — police custody — a step that itself drew scrutiny when confidential details of the custody appeared in the press, as reported by Marianne.

Why the hearing was delayed until October

The trial had originally been scheduled for 7 July, but it was postponed at the request of Hassan’s defence team, which pointed to a last-minute wave of civil-party filings. In a parallel move, Hassan filed a complaint against Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez before the Cour de justice de la République, alleging a breach of the secrecy of the investigation after confidential custody material was relayed by several media outlets, according to La Voix du Nord.

What Hassan said on the first day

Appearing before the Paris tribunal correctionnel, Hassan said she was “ciblée par une tentative d’intimidation” — targeted by an attempt at intimidation — before exercising her right to remain silent. She also declared: “Je suis certainement l’élue la plus poursuivie de l’histoire de la Ve République” — “I am certainly the most prosecuted elected official in the history of the Fifth Republic,” Le Point reported.

What happens next in the Rima Hassan trial

The court will now hear the arguments of the parties before deliberating. A conviction for apologie du terrorisme can carry a prison sentence under French law, though the outcome is for the judges to decide and nothing is guaranteed at this stage.

Why EU observers are watching the Rima Hassan trial

Beyond France, the proceedings are being followed across the EU because Hassan sits in the European Parliament, and cases involving elected officials tend to move public debate — and at times European markets. Investors tracking the region can follow the intersection of politics and markets through Meyka’s EU coverage: the EU screener, the EU earnings calendar, top EU gainers and unusual volume across European markets. Meyka is an AI-powered stock and crypto research platform covering 10 global markets, including the EU.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.