Algeria Files Complaint Against MEP Sarah Knafo for 'Fake News'
Algeria has officially announced its intention to file a complaint against Sarah Knafo, a Member of the European Parliament from the far-right party Reconquête!, following controversial remarks she made during a recent broadcast on RMC. Knafo claimed that France provides 800 million euros in public development aid to Algeria, a statement that has drawn significant backlash from the Algerian government. The complaint, which will be lodged with the Paris judicial court, accuses Knafo of disseminating false information.
Misleading Claims About Development Aid
During her appearance on the show "Les Grandes Gueules," Knafo suggested that France's financial aid to Algeria was excessively high compared to its contributions to other countries, such as China. She stated, "Do you know that we give 800 million euros to Algeria in public development aid?" However, this claim has been challenged by various reports, which indicate that between 2018 and 2022, France's actual development aid to Algeria ranged from 111 to 131 million euros annually, totaling over 588 million euros. Knafo later revised her figure on social media, suggesting that the aid is distributed over several years, but the Algerian government maintains that her statements are inaccurate.
Legal Actions and Political Implications
In light of these developments, the Algerian state is taking a firm stance against what it perceives as misinformation that could damage its reputation. Sarah Knafo, known for her close association with Éric Zemmour and her role in his campaign, was elected as an MEP in June 2023. The legal action taken by Algeria highlights the growing tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding sensitive topics such as immigration and foreign aid. The outcome of this complaint could set a precedent for how political discourse is handled in international relations.
