https://iclfi.org/pubs/slus/2025-pdc-france
The French state has unleashed a sweeping campaign of repression against pro-Palestinian activists, trade unionists and leftists. Among those targeted (see below), Gaël Quirante and Anasse Kazib—Marxist leaders of the Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste-Révolutionnaires and Révolution Permanente respectively—are facing trial on trumped-up charges on 12 and 18 June. The aim is clear: to silence the left.
This comes on top of a growing number of others who have been repressed for their support of the Palestinian struggle and the trade union movement in France. The state has recently ordered the dissolution of Urgence Palestine. As in the U.S. and elsewhere, support for Palestine and working-class struggle is being criminalized as “support for terrorism”. This crackdown also extends to France’s colonies, such as Kanaky and Martinique, where recent mass movements have been brutally repressed.
In opposition to the show trials of Quirante and Kazib—and to the wider repression of the left—we call for protests in front of French embassies and consulates around the world. The international labor movement must be made aware of the crackdown in France, and the greatest possible pressure must be brought to bear on the French state to drop all charges against Kazib, Quirante and all those facing repression! Come out and join us!
Wednesday, June 18, 5:30pm
French Consulate in NYC934 Fifth Avenue (between 74th and 75th Street)
Anasse Kazib
Railway worker, trade union activist, and spokesperson for Révolution Permanente, Anasse Kazib is charged with “apology for terrorism” over a tweet in support of Palestine—and could face up to 7 years in prison. As he put it, summing up his upcoming trial on 18 June: “Since Israel can’t put sniper bullets in our heads... they are seeking prosecutors to shut up militants and political opponents.”
Gaël Quirante
Spokesperson for the Nouveau Parti Anticapitaliste-Révolutionnaires, pro-Palestinian activist and former postman fired for his union activities, Gaël is now being dragged into court over a militant strike in 2014 and could face up to 5 years in prison. His Trial starts on 12 June. This is a blatant frame-up aimed at jailing a prominent working-class fighter.
Rodrigue Petitot
The popular leader of the movement against the cost-of-living crisis in the French colony of Martinique, Rodrigue was thrown in jail last year for confronting the colonial authorities. Out of jail but still facing a one-year suspended sentence, the French state is appealing to throw him back behind bars. The appeal will be heard on 12 June. Drop all charges against Rodrigue!
Rima Hassan
A Palestinian born in a refugee camp and now a Member of the European Parliament for La France Insoumise, Rima has faced a torrent of racist threats. Because of her support for Palestine, she has been interrogated by the police—and two French government ministers have recently threatened to strip her of her French citizenship. We say: Hands off Rima!
Georges Ibrahim Abdallah
Revolutionary fighter for Palestine, Georges has been imprisoned in France since 1984 —making him likely the longest-held political prisoner in Europe. He was convicted on trumped-up charges of complicity in two murders of a CIA agent and a Mossad agent. Opportunities to release him have always been quashed by the French state, in collusion with the U.S. Alongside all those facing repression today, we demand his freedom now!
Many more have been repressed in a concerted campaign to attack the whole left! We need to raise our voices internationally!
