Benzema files a complaint against the French Interior Minister… What’s the connection to the Muslim Brotherhood?
Veteran striker Karim Benzema filed a complaint on Tuesday against French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, accusing him of defamation. This comes after the minister claimed that the former Spanish star of Real Madrid and current star of the Saudi national team is linked to the designated terrorist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, in several countries.
Darmanin criticized the former French national team striker, who won the 2022 Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player, after he posted a message of support for the residents of Gaza on the (X) platform. This was in response to the “unjust bombing” carried out by Israel, according to Benzema, in retaliation for the attack launched by Hamas on October 7th.
Benzema stated at that time: “All our prayers are for the residents of Gaza who once again fall victim to this unjust bombing that spared neither women nor children.”
The French Interior Minister explained that Benzema‘s stance could be interpreted in light of his connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. He stated on (C) News: “Karim Benzema has a, as we all know, bad reputation with the Muslim Brotherhood,” as reported by Al-Hurra network.
Benzema, aged 36, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia, quickly issued a denial and threatened legal action against the minister for defamation.
In his 92-page complaint, reported by French media, including RTL channel, Benzema considered these statements as “undermining” his honor and reputation. He pointed out that he has no connection whatsoever with the Muslim Brotherhood and does not know any of its members.
He added: “I realize to what extent I am being used, because of my reputation, in political games, which is a major scandal, especially considering the dramatic events that have occurred since October 7th, which deserve something completely different from this type of statement.”
His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, told RTL French channel: The football player is a victim of “political exploitation,” accusing the Interior Minister of “sowing division in France.”
Darmanin had previously targeted Benzema for other reasons, including his “refusal” to sing the French national anthem and what was considered “religious preaching on social media.”
