An Iranian academic residing in France has been handed a four-year prison sentence and a permanent ban from the country for expressing opposition to the events in Gaza. The court found her guilty of "apologising for terrorism" based on social media posts from October 2023. Having already spent eight months in pre-trial detention, she will serve one additional year behind bars, with the remainder suspended. The verdict marks one of the most severe penalties imposed in Europe for speech relating to the ongoing crisis.

The case has sparked condemnation from academic and human rights circles, who view the prosecution as part of a wider pattern of repression against voices critical of the military campaign. Colleagues describe the 39-year-old translator and activist as a committed advocate for Palestinian rights, not a supporter of violence. The charges stemmed from her sharing of content on Telegram that allegedly endorsed the initial operation by Palestinian fighters, though supporters argue her words have been taken out of context and criminalised unfairly.

The conviction has prompted protests outside French diplomatic missions and raised questions about the boundaries of free expression in Europe. Critics argue that equating solidarity with Palestine to terrorism sets a dangerous precedent and stifles legitimate debate on international law and human rights. The severity of the punishment, including permanent expulsion from her country of residence, underscores the growing legal risks faced by those who publicly oppose the ongoing destruction in Gaza, even in nations that champion freedom of speech.