Controversial Imam Hassan Iquioussen Deported to Morocco After Legal Battle

It all started on September 30, when the imam was arrested near the town of Mons, where he had taken refuge after fleeing, according to his own words, from France on August 25. The French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, had then announced the expulsion of the imam. However, the Belgian justice refused to hand over the imam to the French authorities. The imam then filed an appeal against a European arrest warrant issued by Paris, and the summary court of Tournai, then the court of appeal of Mons, ruled in his favor.

Finally, at the beginning of November, the imam left the Tournai prison to be placed under house arrest, under electronic surveillance, and on Thursday, he was expelled to Casablanca after the issuance of a laissez-passer by the Moroccan authorities. His expulsion was confirmed by his lawyer, Me Lucie Simon.

This expulsion raises many questions about the relations between France and Belgium, as well as about the policies of expelling preachers considered extremist. Born in France but not having French nationality, the preacher very popular with young people in France has nevertheless been expelled, which raises a strong incomprehension on the part of a good part of the Muslim community as to a certain legal security.