France bans son of former al-Qaeda leader from entering its territory

France has banned Omar bin Laden, son of former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, from entering its territory after years of residence in Normandy.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the decision on October 8, 2024, citing Omar’s 2023 social media posts that glorified terrorism.

Omar, a 43-year-old artist married to a British citizen, had lived in France but was ordered to leave in 2023.

The ban followed comments he made in 2021 on “X,” praising his father’s legacy, which French authorities deemed as promoting terrorism.