Grand Mosque of Paris Threatens Legal Action Against CNews Over Allegations

The Grand Mosque of Paris is unhappy with CNews. At issue, an "intolerable slanderous campaign" led against it by the channel. A reaction in response to the intervention of an Algerian blogger who, according to the rector of the GMP Chems-Eddine Hafiz, made "serious accusations" against his institution. This blogger claimed that the GMP, close to Algeria, "was trying to destabilize France" at a time when relations between Paris and Algiers are at their worst.

The GMP has made known that "a few days earlier, the former French ambassador to Algeria, Xavier Driencourt, known for his blind hostility against the country where he was posted, was invited to give a similar speech." The institution "entirely" rejects remarks that are part of "CNews’ overall strategy to discriminate against all Muslims in France, to deny them the simple right to exist in our country, and to spread the poison of the far right in our society." According to it, this campaign "is not a coincidence: it is partly the result of the strong positions and commitments of the Grand Mosque of Paris against the far right, particularly during the last elections in June and July 2024."

The GMP stressed that its "strong and historical" ties with Algiers are fully consistent with its virtuous and universal missions and in perfect agreement with the French state. It claims to have played "a constructive and positive role for the relationship between the two countries, while promoting in an undifferentiated manner the harmonious development of the Muslim faith and the citizenship of Muslims in France." The GMP also regrets "the lack of contradiction and the silence of the French authorities when certain fringe groups and extremist ideologues are waging an insidious campaign to try to destabilize it."

The institution cannot tolerate these types of campaigns for long. Its rector "reserves the right to take legal action against any false allegation disseminated by CNews, or by other media, when it undermines the integrity of the institution and our Muslim citizens it represents."