The controversy surrounding Gérald Darmanin, the French Interior Minister and footballer Karim Benzema continues to escalate. During a recent trip to the Gulf, Darmanin reiterated his accusations against Benzema, suggesting the player has links to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Accusations and Controversy
Last week, Darmanin made headlines when he accused Benzema of having a “notorious link” with the Muslim Brotherhood. This organization is known for its connections to Islamic radicalization. This accusation came on the heels of a tweet by Benzema, in which he criticized Israeli bombings in Gaza and extended his support to Palestinian civilians.
Darmanin's claims sparked a significant discussion in the political arena, yet there was no evidence to back up his assertions.
Benzema’s Reaction
In response to these accusations, Benzema's legal team lodged a complaint against the Interior Minister.
Darmanin’s Continued Accusations
Despite the ongoing controversy, Darmanin did not retreat from his allegations against Benzema during his visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Yet, he provided no new evidence to support his claims.
Darmanin also criticized Benzema for posting a political opinion on his Twitter. He suggested that the footballer was concealing something, but stopped short of explicitly linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood as he did previously.
Impact of the Minister’s Comments
The minister's remarks continue to cause a stir, and public support for his stance has been limited. He subtly hinted at selective indignation from Benzema, further fueling the flame of controversy.
As the conflict between Darmanin and Benzema continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it might have on the footballer's career and the minister's political standing.