The trial of footballer Youcef Atal opened today. The prosecutor delivered a sentence of 10 months suspended imprisonment and a 45,000 euro fine.
Youcef Atal shared a video by the preacher Mahmoud Al Hasanat on social media in mid-October, which caused an uproar. In the video, there were shocking statements, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this video, the person could be heard praying to God to send “a black day on the Jews” and to “guide the hand” of the inhabitants of Gaza if they “throw stones”. These statements are unacceptable given the suffering endured during this war. To explain himself, Youcef Atal appeared at the court in Nice. He stated that he did not intend to hurt anyone and claimed he made a careless mistake when posting the video.
“I shared without watching it until the end, then I sent a message of apology”
Youcef Atal during his time on the stand.
Youcef Atal: “I am with peace”
The Nice defender claimed he did not watch the video in its entirety before posting it. He thought it was a message of peace, which he wishes to promote. After being extensively questioned about his version of events and his view on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the player was then able to speak more freely later on.
This was an opportunity for him to show that he is totally against all forms of violence as he stated: “I am against no one, everyone has the right to do what they want. I was affected because I don’t want people to suffer, I don’t want people to die. I am neither against Jews nor against Christians… I am with peace. That’s why I removed it. It wasn’t my intention to send a message of hate, but truly of peace. I responded because I didn’t want to send a message of hate, just of peace. I don’t want people to suffer.”
At the end of the day, the prosecutor demanded 10 months of suspended imprisonment along with a 45,000 euro fine for incitement to hatred. It was also requested that the judgment, which was set for deliberation on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, be posted for a month on Instagram.
