Social Issues

Germany investigates footballer El Ghazi over pro-Palestine posts

Mainz player Anwar El Ghazi had shared several posts on social media early in the conflict, including one that carried the phrase "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free".

Ibrahim

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4 Nov 2023

Then-PSV's and currently Bundesliga's Mainz player Anwar El Ghazi, left, scores his side's fifth goal during the Europa League group A match between PSV and Zurich at the Philips stadium in Eindhoven. / Photo: AP Archive

German prosecutors have opened an investigation against Mainz player Anwar El Ghazi over his social media posts on Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Prosecutors said the Dutch footballer is suspected of "disturbing public peace by condoning criminal acts in conjunction with incitement to hatred" through his message on Instagram.

El Ghazi had shared several posts on social media early in the conflict, including one that carried the phrase "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" — a slogan interpreted by some as a call for the destruction of Israel, while others say it appeals for equality for Israelis and Palestinians.

El Ghazi was suspended by Mainz on October 17 over the post but the club later said the player could return after he "explicitly distanced himself" from the statements.

But El Ghazi on Wednesday took to social media again to say "I do not regret or have any remorse for my position.

"Any other statements, comments or apologies to the contrary attributed to me are not factually correct and have not been made or authorised by me."