France Faces Scrutiny Over Muslim Treatment as Amnesty International Calls for Unity

She first demands that the French head of state, Emmanuel Macron, put his words into action. "The President of the Republic immediately called for unity and not to give in to the spirit of division. But he must ensure that his speech is reflected in the government’s response," she said, stressing that some unsavory findings have been made in recent days.

"(...) It must be acknowledged that some political leaders, including within the French government, have made statements that worry us because they recall past excesses in the fight against terrorism," deplored the organization. To support its argument, it points out that the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has sadly distinguished himself by his amalgam between the existence of halal aisles in supermarkets, "community separatism" and terrorism, thus participating in the stigmatization of Muslim people.

For Amnesty International, it is clear that some members of the French government are "participating in the stigmatization of Muslim people". But it’s time to put an end to it. The organization indicates the way forward. "The best response that our entire society can give is to strive to defend the human dignity of all at every moment and to remain united. Human rights are our surest rampart, let’s protect them together," it suggests.