Karim Benzema vigorously contests Gérald Darmanin’s accusations
In a press release published on Wednesday, Karim Benzema strongly contested the comments of Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin who accused him of being “in notorious links with the Muslim Brotherhood”. His lawyer, Me Hugues Vigier, declared that these accusations were completely false and that Benzema had never had any relationship with this organization.
This controversy erupted after the publication of a tweet from Karim Benzema in which he addressed his prayers to the inhabitants of Gaza who were victims of the bombings. Gérald Darmanin declared that the player was linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, thus provoking a strong reaction from Benzema and his lawyer.
Me Hugues Vigier also declared that praying for civilian populations victims of bombings did not in any way constitute propaganda for Hamas, nor complicity in terrorism. He denounced the intolerable exploitation of Karim Benzema and the symbolic figure he represents.
Gérald Darmanin’s entourage responded that Karim Benzema’s positions did not constitute legal proceedings, but that they constituted a particularly vague signal from an athlete with such an audience. They also highlighted a drift in Benzema’s positions towards hard Islam, characteristic of Brotherhood ideology.
Karim Benzema, considered one of the best strikers of his generation, has joined the Saudi club Al-Ittihad. This controversy highlights the tensions between certain French football players and the authorities, particularly regarding religious issues.
In conclusion, this case once again demonstrates the controversies and tensions that can surround the positions taken by high-level athletes, particularly when it comes to sensitive subjects such as religion. Karim Benzema continues to deny any relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood and defends himself against Gérald Darmanin’s accusations. The outcome of this controversy remains to be seen.