French football star Karim Benzema, who plays for the Saudi Al-Ittihad team, has been hit with a wave of false accusations. This all started when he tweeted his support for Gaza, a place that has been facing a terrible situation for 11 days. Many people have lost their lives, and thousands have been injured.
Benzema's Message of Solidarity
On the 15th of this month, Benzema took to social media to express his prayers and support for the people of Gaza. He condemned the unjust bombings that have affected innocent women and children. However, this tweet sparked a huge controversy.
The Minister's Controversial Statement
The French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, made a statement that caused even more trouble. He claimed that Benzema had connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, which caused a lot of debate in France.
Relations with the Brotherhood
When asked about Benzema's tweet supporting the Palestinian people, the minister said that famous players like Benzema have a responsibility to be fair and just. But then, he took it a step further and mentioned the Muslim Brotherhood, suggesting that Benzema had links to them.
False Justifications
At first, the minister's statements didn't get much attention in France. But when Spanish media published them, things changed. The French Ministry of the Interior defended the accusations, claiming that Benzema's recent actions showed a drift towards extremist and strict Islam.
Questionable Actions
Sources in the ministry mentioned a few incidents involving Benzema that raised concerns:
- His refusal to sing the French national anthem during matches.
- His social media posts seemed to favor Muslims.
- A picture with someone who was investigated in connection with a murder case.
Harsh Criticism and Demands
After the minister's statement, French Senate representative Valérie Pouilly demanded severe consequences for Benzema. She called for the withdrawal of his French citizenship and even the Ballon d'Or, an award he had won in 2022.
Agent of Propaganda?
Former French Minister Nadine Morano also attacked Benzema for showing solidarity with the Palestinian people. She accused him of being an agent of Hamas propaganda, which aims to destroy Israel.
Disconnected from France?
Another politician, John Masiha, claimed that Benzema feels more connected to the Islamic nation than to France. He even suggested that Benzema is only French on paper.
False Accusations Amidst Support
It's important to note that while Benzema faced these accusations, other French players, like Nabil Fekir, also expressed their support for the Palestinian people. However, the focus of the attack remained on Benzema.
Benzema's Football Career
Benzema, who played 97 international matches before retiring from the French national team in 2022, currently plays for Al-Ittihad Club. He had a successful career at Real Madrid, spanning 14 seasons.
It's unfortunate that false accusations have overshadowed Benzema's support for the oppressed. It's essential to separate fact from fiction and not jump to conclusions based on rumors and assumptions.
