French scient denied entry to US over private messages criticising Donald Trump | Trending

A French scient travelling to the United States for a conference was denied entry to the country on March 9 after US authorities searched his electronic devices and found private messages critical of the Trump adminration’s research policies. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the French government. A French scient was denied entry to the United States over private messages (Representational image)(Shutterstock) Here’s what happenedAccording to a diplomatic source cited news agency AFP, the space researcher travelled to the US on an assignment for the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). He was subjected to a random security check upon arrival at an airport near Houston, Texas. During the search, officials reportedly accessed his work computer and personal phone, where they found exchanges discussing the Donald Trump adminration’s treatment of scients. He was subsequently accused of harbouring “hateful and conspiratorial messages.” The researcher was informed of an FBI investigation but was told that no charges would be pursued. His electronic devices were confiscated, and he was deported the following day. The French government has strongly condemned the US authorities’ actions. Philippe Bapte, France’s Miner of Higher Education and Research, expressed concern over the incident in a statement to AFP, published French newspaper Le Monde. “I learned with concern that a French researcher was denied entry to the United States before being expelled,” Bapte said. “This measure was apparently taken the American authorities because the researcher’s phone contained exchanges with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion on the Trump adminration’s research policy. “Freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom are values ​​that we will continue to proudly uphold. I will defend the right of all French researchers to be faithful to them, while respecting the law,” Bapte said. Bapte himself has been vocal in his criticism of the Trump adminration and its cuts to scientific research. Since his return to the White House, Trump has made several controversial moves, including significant budget cuts, restrictions on specific research topics, and calls for the shutdown of major scientific initiatives.