Radical Imam Linked to Paris Police HQ Attack, Evaded Deportation

According to Le Parisien, he is suspected by some deputies of having participated in the radicalization of the author of the attack, a regular of the Gonesse mosque where he officiates.

For now, the imam, who defends himself against any relationship with Mickaël Harpon, is not the subject of any investigation by French intelligence, and is not among the two Salafist contacts found on his phone.

He declares on France-info: "I have never been summoned by the police, nor by the general intelligence, never". If the man is the subject of an "S" file and has often been fired from mosques, this has nothing to do with his radical speeches, but rather with his many misdeeds. It seems that money is his weak point.

The newspaper adds that the imam was the subject of an expulsion measure in 2015, due to his irregular situation in France. The decision was however canceled, when he managed to produce supporting documents proving his support for his partner’s child. In 2019, he receives his residence permit in France.