The Take The Copernic Affair: The professor accused of a Paris bombing
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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.
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The Copernic Street Bombing
- On October 3, 1980, a bomb detonated outside the Copernic Street synagogue in Paris.
- This tragic event killed four passerbys and marked the first targeted attack against the Jewish community in Paris since World War II.
Hassan Diab Becomes a Suspect
- In 2007, Judge Marc Trévidic revived the cold case, leading to Hassan Diab's name surfacing as a suspect.
- A journalist confronted Diab after class, marking the first time he learned about the accusations.
Hassan Diab's Imprisonment in France
- After six years of extradition hearings, Hassan Diab was extradited to France and spent three years in solitary confinement.
- His mental and physical health deteriorated significantly due to the harsh conditions.