France expels Osama bin Laden’s son Omar bin Laden for terrorism advocacy on social media

The Interior Minister revealed that Omar bin Laden “posted comments on his social networks in 2023 that advocated terrorism,” leading the prefect of Orne to issue an expulsion order. (Image credits: News18)

French authorities have expelled Omar bin Laden, son of the late Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, due to social media posts that allegedly advocated terrorism, according to France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. The announcement was made on October 8, as reported by the BBC.

Omar bin Laden, 43, was born in Saudi Arabia and has lived in Sudan and Afghanistan. He distanced himself from his father at the age of 19 and later moved to Normandy, France, in 2016, where he pursued a career as a painter, according to a report by The Times of India. Retailleau stated that Omar bin Laden had been residing in the Orne department of Normandy as the spouse of a British citizen.

The Interior Minister revealed that Omar bin Laden “posted comments on his social networks in 2023 that advocated terrorism,” leading the prefect of Orne to issue an expulsion order. “I am today issuing an administrative ban on Mr. Omar Bin Laden, the eldest son of the international terrorist Osama Bin Laden,” Retailleau declared. He emphasized that the courts have confirmed the legality of this decision for national security, ensuring that Omar bin Laden will not be able to return to France for any reason.

Although the details of his departure have not been disclosed, Retailleau confirmed that an administrative ban has been signed to prevent Omar bin Laden from re-entering France, according to the BBC report.

Omar bin Laden first attracted media attention in 2007 when he married British national Jane Felix-Browne, who later converted to Islam and adopted the name Zaina Mohammed. Their marriage, notable for their significant age difference, sparked considerable public interest. Omar's application to reside in the UK had previously been denied by British authorities.

Osama bin Laden, who was born to a wealthy Saudi construction tycoon, is reported to have fathered around two dozen children. He was killed by U.S. special forces in Pakistan in 2011.

Retailleau, who recently assumed office, has pledged to address immigration and crime issues. His appointment reflects the French government's shift to the right under the new Prime Minister Michel Barnier, following a hung parliament outcome in the summer’s legislative elections.