The French court has issued a verdict to imprison Algerian footballer Youcef Atal, who plays for Nice, for charges related to promoting hatred and supporting Palestine.
The court’s decision imposes an eight-month prison sentence and a fine of €45,000 on Youcef Atal, with the prison term being suspended, based on charges of incitement to hatred on religious grounds.
Youcef Atal has the right to appeal the decision of the French court within ten days from the date of the verdict.
The Algerian player is obligated to publish the judgment in the newspapers Le Matin and Le Monde through his personal accounts.
According to French radio Mont Carlo, the public prosecutor had demanded a ten-month prison sentence and a fine of €45,000 for Youcef Atal due to his post on the social media platform Instagram, which was considered anti-Semitic.
The French police arrested Youcef Atal in October last year upon his return from participating with the Algerian national team.
Atal, known for his skills on the football field, has found himself entangled in a legal battle following his social media activity.
The court’s decision, although allowing for an appeal, sends a strong message against the incitement of hatred based on religious beliefs.
Atal, a prominent figure in Algerian football, now faces the consequences of his online actions, reflecting the broader debate on the responsibilities of public figures regarding their statements on sensitive geopolitical issues.
