The Take
The Copernic Affair: The professor accused of a Paris bombing
Mar 31, 2025
Dana Ballout, a documentary producer, and Alex Atack, a journalist, dive deep into the case of Hassan Diab, a Lebanese-Canadian professor wrongly accused of a bombing in Paris. They dissect the chilling impact of the 1980 tragedy on the Jewish community and explore the dramatic twists in Diab's legal struggle. The discussion highlights the psychological effects of wrongful accusations and contrasts public perceptions of justice in Canada versus France. The conversation raises crucial questions about accountability and the need for solid evidence in judicial processes.
23:52
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Quick takeaways
- Hassan Diab's lengthy battle against accusations of the 1980 Copernic bombing highlights systemic issues in extradition and judicial processes.
- The stark divide in public perception between Canada and France regarding Diab's case emphasizes the complexities of justice, politics, and media narratives.
Deep dives
The Copernic Street Bombing
The bombing of the Copernic Street synagogue in Paris in 1980 marked a tragic turning point for the Jewish community in the city and led to the deaths of four individuals. This attack was the first targeted violence against Jews in Paris since World War II and sparked widespread public outrage, resulting in a significant show of solidarity from Parisians. Despite initial investigations, the case cooled over the years until 2007, when a new judge, Mark Trevedick, took charge and began re-examining the evidence. His efforts would eventually lead to the identification of Hassan Diab as a suspect living quietly in Ottawa, igniting a complex international legal saga.
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