Omar Bin Laden, the son of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, has been permanently banned from returning to France, following accusations of glorifying terrorism on social media, according to BBC News. The announcement was made by the country’s new interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, who has recently taken a strict stance on immigration and political Islam.
The 43-year-old Omar, who has lived in Normandy since 2016 and earned a living as a landscape painter, left France in 2023 after officials revoked his residency permit for two years.This decision stemmed from posts marking the anniversary of his father’s death, which reportedly contained content deemed supportive of terrorism. Retailleau signed the order barring him from returning to France “for any reason whatsoever.”
Originally from Saudi Arabia, Omar Bin Laden is the fourth-oldest son of Osama Bin Laden. He distanced himself from his father’s violent legacy after training at jihadist camps in Afghanistan, expressing his desire to avoid association with the killing of civilians. Despite denouncing his father’s actions, he has faced criticism for his past remarks, describing Osama as a “kind” man who followed a strict moral code.
Retailleau, known for his right-wing views, has been vocal about reducing immigration to combat political Islam. His appointment as Interior Minister has drawn criticism, with opponents accusing him of pushing a reactionary agenda.