French researcher allegedly denied entry to US over text messages criticising Trump
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He was accused of “hateful and conspiratorial messages” and was sent back to Europe the following day,
PHOTO: PIXABAY
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A French researcher was reportedly denied entry to the US earlier in March after immigration officers found messages critical of US President Donald Trump’s policies on his phone.
The researcher was travelling to a conference near Houston, Texas, reported French news outlet Le Monde, quoting a statement from French Minister for Higher Education and Research Philippe Baptiste to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
In the statement, Mr Baptiste added that the researcher had been on assignment for the French National Centre for Scientific Research.
Citing a diplomatic source, Le Monde reported that the incident took place on March 9. It said the researcher was subjected to a random check upon arrival, during which officials searched his work computer and personal phone.
Mr Baptiste said that the US authorities had apparently denied the scientist entry as his phone contained exchanges with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump administration’s research policy.
Another source told AFP that the researcher was accused of “hateful and conspiratorial messages”, and was reportedly informed of a Federal Bureau of Investigation probe. He was later told that “charges were dropped”.
The researcher was sent back to Europe the following day, Le Monde reported.
The French Foreign Ministry expressed criticism over the incident and reiterated its “desire to promote freedom of expression”, the news outlet added.
The ministry also said that the French government is committed “to academic and scientific cooperation”.
