Fire Damages Amiens Mosque, Community Shaken by Suspected Arson Attack

"When they arrived, there was only white smoke left. They were almost suffocating," testifies to France 3 Mohamed Rahhali, former president of the AMCC association that manages the place of worship.

Fortunately, the fire went out on its own, limiting the damage to the door and the facade. Two rooms hosting children’s activities were nevertheless affected. "Thank God, only the door and the facade burned," sighs Mohamed Rahhali. The door, wide open after the fire, is now guarded by worshippers.

For the former president of the association, there is no doubt that this is a criminal act. "The person used cut prayer mats in small pieces to burn the mosque. This is not an insignificant gesture," he denounces. The perpetrator was apparently unaware that the mosque uses fire-resistant carpets as a safety measure.

This malicious act is all the more incomprehensible for the Muslim community as it maintains good relations with the neighborhood. "Since 2010 that we’ve been here, we’ve never had a problem. We never leave money in the mosque and we get along well with the neighbors. We have close communication with everyone," explains Mohamed Rahhali. The Assounnah mosque is also a place open to all: "We welcome everyone, regardless of religion. We distribute meals during the winter and during the holidays, all neighbors are welcome."

A complaint has been filed by the president of the association for "voluntary degradation by fire." The investigation will have to determine the exact circumstances of this fire and identify the perpetrator(s) of this act.