Great Mosque of Paris Warns of Rising Anti-Muslim Sentiment in France

In a statement signed by its rector, Chems-eddine Hafiz, the Great Mosque of Paris expresses its concerns about the resurgence of acts and speeches "affecting groups, individuals and property because of their religious affiliations, whatever they may be, in France." It calls on the authorities to take "all necessary measures" to "fight against this resurgence which undermines religious coexistence and dangerously aggravates tensions in our country, at the time of the unbearable drama unfolding in the Middle East."

The Great Mosque of Paris denounces "the progressive and worrying liberation of an essentialist, stigmatizing, racist and hateful speech against Muslims in France," the statement insists, recalling the "scandalous and reprehensible remarks" made in recent days by political and media figures "in order to cast opprobrium on our Muslim fellow citizens and exclude them from the national community." The Great Mosque "will remain resolutely committed to ensuring that every French citizen can practice his or her religion in complete safety and dignity, in national unity," concludes the note.