Athletistic/Athletics. Runner Muhammad Kunta has been suspended by the French Athletics Federation (FFA) for posting negative messages about Israel on social media, French Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera said on the social network X.

The scandal arose from the athlete’s numerous reruns containing accusations against the Israeli military, including its alleged crimes in Palestine and the murders of Palestinian athletes. One such article was an August 1 article calling Israeli Olympic athletes “child killers,” accompanied by a photo of judoka Saga Muki in military uniform.

“The FFA president confirmed the athlete’s suspension, he contacted the prosecutor and the disciplinary commission of the Federation,” said Udea-Castera.

Deputy Chairman of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Regional Council Patrick Karam, who first drew attention to the athlete’s recordings, noted that he had spoken with FFA leaders: “They will prepare a protocol for initiating criminal proceedings.”

Kunta has already apologized, saying his comments were taken out of context and did not reflect his true views. “I am French and Muslim, and I am proud of it. If my words offended anyone, I sincerely apologize. I am against genocide, racism and injustice. I don’t think I need to prove how much I love my country,” Kunta, 29, wrote.

Kunta is a silver medalist at the 2023 European Indoor Championships in the 4x400m relay.

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Athletistic