Laurent Nuñez denies leaking false drug claims about lawmaker Rima Hassan

Accusations from investigative documentary

French Minister of the Interior Laurent Nuñez faces accusations of contributing to the circulation of false reports regarding alleged drug possession by European lawmaker Rima Hassan. An investigation by the France 2 program Complément d'enquête, broadcast on 17 September 2026, alleges that Nuñez personally fed the press narrative during Hassan's police custody on 2 April 2026. Hassan, a member of the European Parliament representing La France Insoumise (LFI), had been placed in custody in Paris over allegations of advocating terrorism linked to a publication on X. Media outlets reported that police discovered a small quantity of synthetic drugs in her bag during the search. The Paris public prosecutor later dismissed the drug possession inquiry after chemical analysis of two seized containers confirmed no illicit narcotics were present. The subsequent revelations reignited scrutiny over the conduct of the Interior Ministry during sensitive legal proceedings.

The train exchange on 2 April

The television investigation details an off-the-record conversation between Nuñez and reporters on 2 April 2026 during a return train journey from Bordeaux with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. According to journalists interviewed by France 2, reporters questioned the minister about rumors of narcotics in Hassan's possession during the trip.

It may be accurate.

Nuñez reportedly described one substance as a synthetic product and a second as a cocaine derivative, while adding that he did not possess deep expertise on narcotics. A reporter cited in the investigation also stated that the minister shared statements Hassan made to investigators, recounting that she bought the substances in Belgium believing they were legal. Representatives for the minister stated on 16 September that Nuñez engaged in an informal discussion prompted by reporters regarding facts that were already circulating in the media.

Ministerial defense at the National Assembly

Nuñez addressed the accusations on the morning of 17 September 2026 while attending a special parliamentary committee reviewing draft legislation on sexual and gender-based violence. Interrogated directly by LFI deputies, the minister defended his actions before the committee session was temporarily suspended. Nuñez stated that reporters approached him in the late afternoon on the train when reports had already appeared in the press since midday. He maintained that he cautioned reporters rather than leaking confidential details, arguing that it was unacceptable for journalists to hold such investigative information.

I did not organize any leaks. I am on a trip, the media have everything, all the information, I do not know how they obtained it.

Political fallout and legal demands

The findings prompted demands for political accountability and judicial action across France. Lawmakers from La France Insoumise called for Nuñez's resignation, arguing that he must face consequences for participating in press briefings after previously regretting media leaks in public. Vincent Brengarth, the attorney representing Hassan, criticized the reported remarks as a violation of procedural norms and requested a judicial inquiry to determine the source of the disclosures.

Such facts, if they were to be confirmed, would be of exceptional gravity and would characterize an additional violation of the secrecy of the investigation as well as the presumption of innocence.

Brengarth stated that legal steps would seek to identify those responsible for transmitting details of the closed custody to the press.