Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into allegations that an Israeli company interfered in French local elections, following complaints from three far-left candidates who claim they were targeted by disinformation campaigns.
Investigation Details
The probe focuses on claims by members of the far-left La France Insoumise (France Unbowed) party that they were subjected to smear campaigns involving false accusations, social media manipulation, and fake campaign visuals. The candidates include Sebastien Delogu from Marseille, Francois Piquemal from Toulouse, and David Guiraud from Roubaix. Delogu and Piquemal lost their election bids, while Guiraud won the mayoral race in Roubaix.
Allegations of Disinformation
Delogu described finding billboards with his name and a QR code linking to false rape accusations. Piquemal reported the creation of social media pages spreading rumors and the publication of his social media passwords. The trio believe they were targeted due to their support for the Palestinian cause.
Viginum, France's government body for combating online disinformation, noted a system of artificial or automated dissemination spreading inaccurate or misleading content. The agency stated that the malicious campaign, involving a foreign actor, could undermine the nation's fundamental interests by distorting citizens' access to information.
Foreign Involvement
A source connected to the case indicated that the campaigns appeared to originate from Israel. French daily Liberation and Israeli daily Haaretz named companies allegedly responsible, though AFP could not independently confirm these reports. Prosecutors have not found evidence of Israeli government involvement, emphasizing that interference concerns foreign state interests, not those of individuals or companies.
