Repatriation for French Jew who claimed he received antisemitic abuse in Turkish prison

A French Jewish man serving a sixteen-year prison sentence in Turkey who claimed that he was receiving antisemitic abuse in prison has been repatriated to France.

As reported by Campaign Against Antisemitism, Fabien Azoulay, 43, was convicted for buying a small amount of the drug GBL. He claimed that he did not know the drug was illegal in Turkey as GBL had been legal there until six months prior to Mr Azoulay purchasing it with his credit card. Earlier this year, his family said that he was being harassed and repeatedly assaulted in prison because he was Jewish and gay.

In April, shortly after their statement, a petition demanding his release received thousands of signatures. There was also a resolution by the City Council of Paris calling on Turkey to release him, saying his sentence was “excessive”. According to French radio, President Emmanuel Macron intervened with Turkish authorities on behalf of Mr Azoulay.

Although Mr Azoulay was transferred to France as a prisoner to supposedly serve the remainder of his sentence, it is understood that he will not go to prison as his actions do not violate French law.

Campaign Against Antisemitism has expanded our coverage of antisemitism worldwide. Please contact us if you would like to share feedback or volunteer to assist with this project. 

Image credit: Change.org