Strasbourg Court Rules Rima Hassan Conference Ban Unlawful

The university's decision to block the event citing public order concerns was deemed a violation of free speech, but an appeal is planned.

The Administrative Court of Strasbourg ruled the university's ban on a conference featuring Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan as illegal, citing infringement of freedom of expression.
The university initially prohibited the event, scheduled for November 28, citing potential risks to public order and procedural issues with the organizers' application.
The conference was titled 'Union European and International Relations' in its formal submission but was promoted online with a more controversial title referencing Gaza.
Rima Hassan, known for her polarizing statements on Israel, is currently under investigation for alleged 'apology of terrorism' following comments about Hamas.
The university has announced plans to appeal the court's decision, maintaining that the ban was rooted in procedural and security concerns, not Hassan's political views.