The 35-year-old man challenged this suspension before the administrative court of Montreuil on Monday, preventing him from exercising his profession.
Suspected of being close to radicalized people, an airline pilot of the company HOP!, a subsidiary of Air France, asked the administrative court of Montreuil on Monday to suspend the prefectural decree which prevents him from exercising his profession since October. The man defends himself from any radicalism.
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“The fact that my name is associated with the terrorist threat, it’s terrible“, said he declared with emotion before the college of three administrative judges, seized in summary proceedings. “I can only tell you that I have nothing to do with all this, I understand the precautionary principle, myself I want to go home in the evening to see my children“, added this father of three children.
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Since October 15 and a joint decree from the Paris police headquarters (competent for Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport) and the Loire-Atlantique prefecture (where HOP’s headquarters are located!), this airline pilot from 35 years old had his clearance to access aerodrome security zones withdrawn and can therefore no longer fly an airplane.
Among the reproaches of the administration: his friendship with a former colleague at Air Algérie then HOP! pinned for radicalization after certain remarks and behaviors. He is also accused of praying and observing the fast of the month of Ramadan during his working hours, contrary to the rules imposed on flight personnel, accusations firmly refuted by his lawyer.
“An exemplary journey”
During the hearing, his counsel made every effort to point out “thee lack of precise and detailed elements“, in a folder “organized with a form of precipitation“. Photographs of him on a stopover at the beach with female colleagues, testimony from flight personnel on his friendly behavior and open-mindedness, alcohol consumption… The lawyer painted the portrait of a “moderate Muslim”, away from accusations of radicalization. Above all, he highlighted his many glowing professional reviews and the support of his employer. “We are talking about an airline pilot who has an exemplary career“, he argued.
For his part, the representative of the police headquarters recalled the similar decree targeting his former colleague “known for issues related to the rigorous practice of Islam» and therefore aiming «indirectly» the interested party. “Should everyone who knows him be called radicalized?“retorted the plaintiff’s lawyer. The decision will be made before the end of the week.
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