Lille University stirs controversy by cancelling Palestine conference

Elham Asaad Buaras

Lille University in France has ignited controversy by cancelling a scheduled conference on Palestine, citing rising tensions between Iran and Israel as the main reason for the decision.

The university released a statement citing the increased tensions following Iran’s recent airstrike on Israel as the rationale behind cancelling the conference, scheduled for April 18.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a distinguished leader of the opposition La France Insoumise (LFI) party, promptly denounced the university’s decision, accusing it of seeking to silence dialogue concerning peace in the Middle East.

Mélenchon decried what he characterised as the “exploitation” of the conference by proponents of the Israeli administration, expressing deep concern over the curtailment of freedom of speech. Mélenchon stated,

“We condemn the manipulation of this conference by those who unequivocally endorse the Netanyahu government,” emphasising the wider ramifications of the university’s decisions.

The leadership of the LFI party revealed intentions to transfer the conference to an alternate location.

Despite the university’s decision, they affirmed that the new venue would serve as a platform for open dialogue and discussion on the Palestinian cause.

Rima Hassan, a candidate of Palestinian descent running for the European Parliament elections, is scheduled to participate in the conference.

Photo: Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the opposition La France Insoumise Party, slammed Lille University’s decision to cancel a conference on Palestine. (Credit: MathieuMD/Wikimedia Commons)

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