Omar Binladin, son of the infamous Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, has been banned from returning to France. French authorities made the decision following controversial social media posts that allegedly glorified terrorism.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed the deportation order, citing national security concerns. Binladin, who lived in Normandy for years, was married to a British national and earned a living as an artist.
Retailleau emphasized, “The administrative ban ensures that Mr. Binladin cannot return to France for any reason whatsoever.”
The controversy arose after Binladin allegedly posted on social media to commemorate his father’s birthday in 2023. His post caught the attention of French authorities, leading to the deportation order. However, Binladin’s friend and art dealer, Pascal Martin, defended him, stating that Binladin was opposed to Islamist ideology and that his account might have been hacked.
For years, Omar Binladin lived a quiet life in the village of Domfront, Normandy, painting landscapes. Despite his family background, those who knew him describe him as a peaceful individual who focused on his artwork and paid his taxes. He is currently residing in Qatar following the deportation.
The French government has taken a strong stance against any form of terrorism glorification. This incident underlines their strict approach to national security, especially given Binladin’s connection to the former Al Qaeda leader, Osama bin Laden, who was killed by U.S. forces in 2011.
