French MPs to debate antisemitism law that critics say will stifle criticism

Issued on: 16/04/2026 - 12:40

French lawmakers are due to vote on ​new laws defining antisemitism, proposed in the wake of a surge in anti-Jewish incidents but which critics say could be used to censor criticism of Israel and chill protest movements. Critics - including some rights groups, academics and left-wing politicians - say that they will ‌censor legitimate activism for Palestinian rights and contribute to conflating Jews with the state of Israel.