France: France has reversed its earlier decision and granted a national visa to Palestinian human rights activist Shawan Jabarin, following criticism from European lawmakers, a French MP said on Monday.
According to Anadolu Agency, French Green MEP Mounir Satouri announced the reversal on the social media platform X, noting that France had granted the visa to Jabarin. Satouri emphasized the need for transparency regarding the initial refusal and urged authorities to clarify the reasons behind the blockage, advocating for the removal of any remaining obstacles to issuing a Schengen visa.
Jabarin, who is the director of the West Bank-based rights group Al-Haq, was previously denied entry by French authorities despite an invitation to attend a session of the European Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee in Strasbourg. The initial refusal drew criticism from seven international NGOs, including Amnesty International and the International Federation for Human Rights, labeling the decision as a direct attack on human rights and a concerning setback.
In a joint statement, these organizations highlighted that the last-minute visa denial impeded Jabarin's ability to attend meetings with the French Parliament, civil society organizations, and the Foreign Ministry, thereby restricting his advocacy work as a human rights defender. They cautioned that the decision could send a discouraging message amid growing challenges to international law and noted it as an example of restrictions targeting rights advocates.
Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, expressed concern over the denial, stating it was troubling that a human rights defender faced entry restrictions while individuals accused of war crimes could travel without hindrance. Al-Haq, Jabarin's organization, argued that the rejection undermined efforts to advocate for Palestinian rights and accountability, particularly in light of ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza, warning that such restrictions contribute to impunity.
Satouri also mentioned that Jabarin had previously met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in 2022. Despite being under US sanctions, Jabarin has faced past entry restrictions to France.