French footballer Karim Benzema has reportedly taken legal action against France’s interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, over allegations of connections with the Muslim Brotherhood.
In October, Darmanin claimed that Benzema “has a notorious link” with the Sunni Muslim Islamist group, leading the footballer’s lawyer to assert that this comment “undermines” Benzema’s honor and reputation.
The Muslim Brotherhood is banned in several countries, including Egypt, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
Darmanin’s accusation followed Benzema expressing support for the people of Gaza, describing them as “victims again of unjust bombardments which spare neither women nor children.”
Darmanin criticized Benzema for not expressing similar sympathy for the estimated 1,300 Israeli victims that Hamas allegedly killed on October 7, stating that the former French striker was “well-known for his links with the Muslim Brotherhood.”
Benzema, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia and is a Muslim, promptly denied any association with the Muslim Brotherhood and threatened to sue Darmanin for slander.
In a 92-page complaint widely reported in French media, Benzema stated, “I have never had the slightest link with the Muslim Brotherhood organization, nor to my knowledge with anyone who claims to be a member of it.”
He expressed awareness of political exploitation due to his notoriety and criticized the statement’s timing in light of significant events since October 7.
His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, accused the interior minister of “political exploitation” and “sowing division in France.” As of now, Darmanin has not commented on the legal complaint.
It’s worth noting that Darmanin has previously targeted Benzema for other reasons, such as his refusal to sing the French national anthem and his activities on social networks.
The Muslim Brotherhood, founded around 80 years ago in Egypt, has been a rationale for various Islamist organizations, including Hamas.
Although banned in multiple countries, it is not restricted in most of the European Union, with its influence in Europe primarily observed through front organizations advocating for Islamic causes like the right of women to wear head coverings.
Source-BBC
