Overview
- Public opposition has surged, with a petition reported by French media to have drawn more than 600,000 signatures against the proposal.
- Drafted by MP Caroline Yadan, the measure would extend the offense of apology for terrorism to statements judged implicit, such as framing attacks as legitimate resistance.
- The text also introduces penalties for calls to destroy a state recognized by France and expands the offense of denying crimes against humanity.
- Legal and political critics warn of risks to free speech, with former anti-terror judge Marc Trévidic saying the notion of implicit provocation would invite arbitrary enforcement.
- Yadan defends the plan as a response to rising antisemitism, argues it does not punish criticism of a government, cites 130 co-signers, while some Jewish advocates question its use of the 1881 press law over the Penal Code, which they say can slow prosecutions.