Arrests Made for Cyberharassment and Death Threats Against Influencer Agent Magali Berdah

Key Details from the Paris Prosecutor's Office

Seven individuals were detained on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Paris prosecutor's office and reported by Le Figaro and BFM TV. The suspects, comprising four women and three men, face allegations of cyberharassment and death threats, potentially aggravated by anti-Semitic motives. The arrests were executed by the Central Office for Combating Crimes Against Humanity and Online Hate (OCLCH).

Background of the Incident

The arrests followed hateful comments posted under a photo of Magali Berdah on Instagram. Berdah, an agent for influencers, had uploaded a picture from Israel right after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The post attracted over 19,000 comments, many of which were anti-Semitic. Berdah expressed relief over the arrests, linking them to broader efforts to combat cyberharassment, which had previously led to the conviction of 28 individuals in March for similar offenses against her.

Legal and Social Repercussions

The legal team representing Magali Berdah hailed the arrests as a significant relief and a step forward in the fight against online hatred. They emphasized the ongoing commitment of the justice system to address and curb such malicious activities. The case highlights the broader issues of online harassment and the specific targeting of individuals based on their identity or stance, underscoring the importance of legal frameworks to tackle these challenges.