Zineb El Rhazoui

Zineb El Rhazoui, born on January 19, 1982, is a prominent French journalist known for her fearless commentary on religion and free speech. She served as a columnist for the renowned satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo from 2011 until 2017, where she established herself as the magazine's religion expert. During the tragic Charlie Hebdo shooting on January 7, 2015, Zineb was in Morocco, an event that profoundly impacted her career and activism.

Following the attacks, Zineb emerged as a leading secularist and a staunch advocate for universal human rights. She has traveled extensively, sharing her insights on Islam and the importance of free expression. Her outspoken criticism of Islam has made her a controversial figure, yet she remains committed to her principles.

On January 3, 2017, Zineb left Charlie Hebdo, citing the magazine's shift towards an editorial stance influenced by Islamists as a key reason for her departure. Despite this, her influence continued to grow, and in 2019, she was awarded the Simone Veil Prize for her relentless fight against global Islamism.

However, her career faced a significant setback in December 2023 when she was stripped of the Simone Veil Prize after posting a statement on Twitter that accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza war, drawing a controversial parallel between Zionism and Nazism. This incident highlights the complexities and challenges she faces in her ongoing battle for free speech and human rights.