Interior Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Leaked Details of MP Investigation
Interior Minister accused of leaking details about MP's investigation to press.
Event / Politics
Rima Hassan Police Investigation
French MEP Rima Hassan was placed in police custody in April 2026 on terrorism-related charges following a social media post. During the investigation, synthetic drugs were found in her possession, though the case was later dismissed. The incident raised concerns about investigation secrecy and presumption of innocence after Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez discussed details with journalists.
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2026-09-17 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Sept, 15:24 UTC
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What happened
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez discussed Hassan drug discovery with journalists on train
On April 2, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, returning by train from Bordeaux with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, was questioned by journalists about drugs found in Rima Hassan's bag. He reportedly told journalists 'It is possible that it is exact,' discussed 'a synthetic substance' for one product and 'a cocaine derivative' for the other, and acknowledged 'he doesn't know much about it.'
Rima Hassan's lawyer demands judicial investigation into potential violations
Vincent Brengarth, lawyer for Rima Hassan, stated that if the facts regarding the minister's alleged participation in spreading false information about drug possession were confirmed, they would constitute an exceptional grave violation of investigation secrecy and the presumption of innocence. He requested the opening of a judicial investigation.
Laurent Nuñez defends himself against charges of organized press leaks on September 17
On September 17, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez denied before a National Assembly commission that he had organized leaks to the press regarding the drug discovery in Rima Hassan's possession. He stated he was informally questioned by journalists who already had all the information about Hassan's custody, emphasizing he did not organize any leaks and that 'it is not normal that journalists have this level of information.'
La France Insoumise lawmakers demand Interior Minister's resignation
Lawmakers and officials from La France Insoumise party demanded the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez following allegations that he contributed to the spread of inaccurate information about Rima Hassan during her April 2 custody.
Eurodéputée Rima Hassan placed in custody on April 2 for alleged terrorism apology
On April 2, Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan from La France Insoumise was summoned and placed in police custody for alleged apology for terrorism related to one of her posts on social network X.
Drug substances found in Rima Hassan's bag during custody, investigation later dismissed
During the custody of Rima Hassan on April 2, police reported discovering a small quantity of synthetic drugs in the MEP's bag. However, the investigation into potential drug possession was later dismissed without further action by the Paris prosecutor's office after analysis of the two containers found.
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