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In a bold move, Karim Benzema, the French football icon, has launched a defamation lawsuit against France's interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, following accusations linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood, as reported by local media.
This legal clash marks a new chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding the football star and his alleged connections.
Darmanin's Controversial Comments Spark Outrage
The legal turmoil began when Minister Darmanin, in October, publicly claimed that Benzema had a "notorious link" with the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Muslim Islamist group banned in several countries.
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This comment, according to Benzema's lawyer as reported by BBC, has significantly tarnished the footballer's honour and reputation.
Darmanin's statement came in the wake of Benzema's tweet showing solidarity with the people of Gaza, which the minister contrasted with the player's silence on the Israeli victims of Hamas attacks on October 7th.
Darmanin's sharp critique on conservative TV channel CNews linked Benzema's stance to the Muslim Brotherhood, intensifying the scrutiny on the football star.
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Benzema's Strong Denial and Legal Counterattack
Karim Benzema, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia and practices Islam, vehemently denied these allegations and is taking the battle to court.
In his comprehensive 92-page complaint, he insists on having no connections whatsoever with the Muslim Brotherhood or its members.
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The former Real Madrid star expressed his frustration over being dragged into political controversies, especially given the sensitive nature of the events since October 7.
His lawyer, Hugues Vigier, spoke out on RTL, accusing the interior minister of political exploitation and dividing France. As of now, Minister Darmanin has not responded to the lawsuit, which adds another layer to the ongoing debates around Benzema, known for his stance on not singing the French national anthem and his social media activities.
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