French magistrates have ordered La France insoumise deputy Thomas Portes to stand trial for criminal defamation after he described the Jewish collective “Nous vivrons” as a “violent and racist sect” that “supports Israeli war crimes” and “promotes genocide” in a post on X on 14 May 2024. The decision, confirmed on 7 July, follows a legal complaint the group filed in June 2024. The order for referral says the remarks could constitute allegations likely to undermine the honour and reputation of the association, which was created after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks to campaign against antisemitism. “He put a target on our backs,” spokeswoman Sarah Aizenman told Le Point, adding that the comments exposed members to threats. Nous vivrons is represented by lawyer Patrick Klugman, who called the deputy’s accusations “ignominious.” The collective has also initiated proceedings against three other LFI lawmakers—Aymeric Caron, Rima Hassan and Sarah Legrain—over similar statements. Portes has not publicly responded to the court’s decision. No trial date has yet been set.