French Muslim Council Urges State Action on Cemetery Space Amid COVID-19 Crisis

The issue of denominational sections, and Muslim ones in particular, was at the heart of the discussions between the religious leaders and President Emmanuel Macron, during a videoconference organized on Tuesday, April 21. "We have recorded some progress since March 23. But to date, the some 600 Muslim sections, even with their extension, do not allow us to meet current needs, exacerbated by the pandemic," declares Mohammed Moussaoui. The president calls for the implementation of "quick solutions".

"The President of the Republic has reaffirmed his commitment to ensure the burial of all the deceased." For his part, "the Minister of the Interior, Christophe Castaner, has assured that the prefects have been urged to approach the municipalities concerned, in consultation with the local Muslim associations".

Although the commitment of the public authorities is "reaffirmed", "we continue to encounter difficulties in implementing solutions on the ground," because "the fact of leaving the creation of