OMM Redaksiyası
France’s public broadcaster France Télévisions has removed from its website a rebroadcast of a program featuring actress Adèle Haenel’s remarks about Gaza.
Haenel said she took part in a live broadcast of the literary program “La Grande Librairie,” aired on France 5 on Sept. 9. She said guests were given an opportunity to express their views freely at the end of the program.
In a video posted on Instagram, she said her remarks addressed attempts to silence people speaking about sexual violence, as well as the situation in Gaza. Haenel said her team recorded that segment because they expected her comments might later be removed from the broadcast.
According to the actress, France Télévisions removed from its website not only that segment but the rebroadcast of the entire program.
The decision drew criticism from lawmakers representing the left-wing La France insoumise (LFI) party. Lawmaker Gabrielle Cathala wrote on social media that the rebroadcast was removed after Haenel said Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians and France was complicit.
LFI lawmaker Danièle Obono described the decision as “scandalous.” Her colleague Aymeric Caron said Haenel’s views on Gaza were accurate and criticized France Télévisions for its coverage policy concerning Gaza over the past three years. Caron demanded that the broadcaster disclose whose pressure had led to the removal.
French magazine “Télérama” reported that France Télévisions cited the absence of a response from an opposing viewpoint to Haenel’s comments as the reason for the removal.
At the end of the program, Haenel said: “I have also made a decision: I will speak.” The actress then said: “The state of Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, and France is complicit. Do not accept what is unacceptable. That is why sanctions should be imposed on Israel and Palestine should be freed.”
