France Drops Investigation Into MEP Over Drug Allegations

French prosecutors have dropped an investigation into MEP Rima Hassan on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs, after tests found no evidence of synthetic substances in the seized items.

Hassan had been detained for questioning after posting a quote on social media from Japanese militant Kozo Okamoto, who was convicted over a 1972 attack. She is due to stand trial on 7 July on suspicion of advocating terrorism.

Initial media reports suggested synthetic drugs had been found in her handbag. Prosecutors later said the substance appeared similar to 3-MMC, pending further analysis. Subsequent tests detected only minimal traces of THC in products labelled as CBD.

According to the defence, such findings are not unusual, as CBD products can contain small amounts of THC. While the detected level exceeded the legal threshold, the defence argues that it does not constitute a criminal offence.

Hassan has since filed a complaint over the leak of information and has called for corrections to the initial media reports.

(politico.eu, bak)