Controversial French Imam Faces Expulsion Over Anti-Semitism Allegations

Hassan Iquioussen has resided in Lourches, in the Valenciennes region in northern France, for decades, but does not have French nationality. This winter, he requested the renewal of his 10-year residence permit that was expiring. But unexpectedly, the prefecture of the North has requested his expulsion from French territory on the basis of the law "strengthening respect for the principles of the Republic", which came into force in August 2021, reports Le Point.

Prior to the renewal of the residence permit, the prefecture of the North closely examined the outspoken positions of the imam of Moroccan origin, known to be close to the Muslims of France (formerly the Union of Islamic Organizations in France), in his videos published on his YouTube channel followed by hundreds of thousands of followers. In one of his sermons, the imam argues that sharia should guide the behavior of believers in all aspects of their private or public life. In another video, Hassan Iquioussen advocated Islamization through the ballot box, calling on Muslims to enter politics.

Considering these elements, the prefecture of the North compiled a file on Hassan Iquioussen which it transmitted to the commission for the expulsion of foreigners. The prefect of the North personally went to plead the case before the commission, with the support of the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin. On this occasion, the official insisted on Iquioussen’s anti-Semitism, who in 2004, 2005 and 2014 described Jews as "ungrateful", "miserly", living "among themselves in ghettos".

On June 22, the commission, chaired by the president of the Lille judicial court, ordered his expulsion. In a video released in late July, Hassan Iquioussen reaffirmed his attachment to Islam and France, denying any anti-Semitism, homophobia or fundamentalist leanings. According to his entourage, his relations with the Moroccan regime would not be good either. "He criticized the king, the thing not to do in Morocco. On his arrival, he risks trouble. He would be better off applying for a residence permit in another country. Maybe Belgium, to stay close to his loved ones."