France Calls for Lifting Immunity of Pro-Israel MP
A group of French lawmakers are calling for disciplinary action to be taken against a fellow member of parliament over remarks made about Gaza during a session in the National Assembly this week.
According to the Ouest-France newspaper, 39 deputies from the Socialist Party (PS) and the Unyielding France (LFI) Party have sent a letter to Yael Braun-Pivet, the Speaker of the National Assembly, expressing their concern over comments made by Meyer Habib.
In their letter, the MPs accused Habib of making statements that could be interpreted as “war crime propaganda” and called for serious disciplinary measures to be taken against him.
The lawmakers have requested that the commission responsible for Article 26 of the constitution convene and conduct an investigation to potentially lift Habib’s immunity. Article 26 of the French Constitution protects members of parliament from being tried or arrested for the words they say during their duties or their votes in the general assembly.
During a question session to the government in the National Assembly on December 19, LFI Deputy Eric Coquerel raised concerns about the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, suggesting that their goals may not align with peace in the region.
Habib interrupted Coquerel twice, stating that “Israel’s work in Gaza is not over.”
The incident has sparked controversy and led to demands for Habib to be sanctioned for his remarks.
The calls for disciplinary action reflect the ongoing debate and division within the French parliament over the situation in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The controversy also highlights the challenges facing lawmakers when addressing sensitive international issues within the confines of parliamentary duties.
