French municipality raises Palestinian flag in response to proposed antisemitism bill

The northern French municipality of La Courneuve raised a Palestinian flag on its town hall on Thursday in what it described as a symbolic act of solidarity with Palestinians and a response to a draft antisemitism bill currently under debate in the French parliament.

Aly Diouara, the newly elected mayor of La Courneuve, said the decision was made "in defiance" of what he referred to as the proposed "Yadan law," which he argued could restrict freedom of expression.

"La Courneuve reaffirms its support for the Palestinian people. The Palestinian flag has been raised on the front of the town hall, in defiance of the 'Yadan' law, in solidarity with the voices rising to defend its right to self-determination and to denounce the ongoing genocide in Gaza," he said on the US social media company X, alongside a video showing him raising the flag on the building's balcony.

The draft legislation, introduced by lawmaker Caroline Yadan, has been presented as part of efforts to combat antisemitism in France.

Critics of the bill argue it could broaden the scope of existing offences, including "apology for terrorism," and introduce penalties for public calls for the destruction of a state recognized by France.

The bill is still under discussion in the French National Assembly.