The incident happened at Houston airport, when the French researcher was subjected to random control upon arrival.
A French researcher, who was moving to a conference in Houston, Texas, was prevented from entering the United States of America, after the border authorities found, on his mobile, messages in which President Donald Trump criticized. The case was revealed by the government of France, who was concerned about the situation.
“I learned, with concern, that a French researcher [ao serviço do Centro Nacional de Investigação Científica (CNRS) de França]who was heading for a conference near Houston, was prevented from entering the United States before being expelled, “said Philippe Baptiste, French higher education and investigation minister in a statement quoted by France-Presse.
“This measure was apparently taken by US authorities because this researcher’s mobile phone contained messages exchanged with colleagues and friends in which he expressed a personal opinion about the Trump administration’s scientific policy.”
“Freedom of opinion, free research and academic freedom are values that we will continue to defend with pride. I will defend the right of all French researchers to continue to be faithful to these values, in respect of the law,” said the minister.
Case happened on March 9
A diplomatic source confirmed to AFP that the incident took place on 9 March at Houston International Airport.
The investigator was underwent random control upon arrival during which his work computer and personal phone were searched.
According to the same source, messages about the treatment given to scientists were found by the Trump administration. Another source said that the investigator was initially accused of being the author of “Messages of Hate and Conspiracy.”
Although not formally accused of any crime, the French citizen was eventually prevented from entering the United States of America.
The investigator’s professional and personal equipment was seized by the authorities and was returned the next day, already in European territory.
