Paris, France – The Collège de France, one of the oldest research institutions in Europe, has cancelled an academic conference scheduled
for November 13 and 14 on the Palestinian issue.
This came after direct pressure from the French Ministry of Higher Education,
according to Le Figaro newspaper.
The conference aimed to discuss political and humanitarian
developments in the Palestinian territories.
This was done with the participation of a select group of French
and international academics and researchers.
A wave of criticism
This comes in the context of growing debates within French intellectual
circles regarding the war on Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people.
The newspaper added that the cancellation decision came
after official intervention from the Ministry of Higher Education.
Which expressed concern about the “sensitive political nature” of the conference,
This comes amid growing tensions within French universities.
This is due to differing stances on the conflict in the Middle East.
The decision sparked a wave of criticism in academic and human rights circles.
Several researchers considered the cancellation of the conference
to be a violation of the freedom of scientific research and expression.
They emphasized that discussing political and humanitarian
issues is at the heart of university work.
Political pressure
For its part, the administration of the College of France maintained official
silence regarding the motives behind the decision.
Simply stating that “the conference was postponed for organizational reasons.”
Academic sources have confirmed that political pressure
was the “decisive factor” behind this measure.
This development comes at a time when the French government
is facing increasing criticism from human rights organizations.
She accuses it of attempting to restrict public discussions about the war in Gaza.
Amidst growing calls for the protection of freedom
of thought within academic institutions.
