Hundreds gathered in Paris on Sunday for a demonstration against Islamophobia, honoring a man who was brutally killed while praying in a mosque in southern France just days prior. The solidarity march united non-governmental organizations, political representatives, and faith leaders, all condemning what they perceive as an Islamophobic climate in the country.
Demonstrators carried signs that read “Islamophobia kills, the state is complicit” and “Justice for Aboubakar,” referring to the young worshipper who was killed on Friday. Concerns about a troubling trend in recent years were expressed by the Director General of SOS Racisme, who noted a continued presence of hate speech targeting the Muslim community in France, questioning their loyalty and identity.
On Friday, in the former mining town of La Grand Combe, a young man named Aboubakar was fatally stabbed by another individual after completing his cleaning duties at the mosque. The assailant, a local man born in France in 2004, reportedly filmed the incident and was heard shouting insults at Allah, as captured by security cameras. Both men were alone in the mosque at the time of the attack.
French leaders swiftly condemned the act, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou labeling it as Islamophobic and asserting solidarity with the victim’s family and the affected worshippers. He assured that state resources are being utilized to apprehend and punish the murderer. President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that racism and religious hatred have no place in France, emphasizing the inviolability of religious freedom. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin described the incident as a “despicable murder” that deeply affects all believers, particularly Muslims in France.
Authorities reported that the suspect remained at large as of Sunday, with 70 investigators deployed and police forces working tirelessly to prevent further harm. Local prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini emphasized vigilance to ensure no additional victims.
The Grande Mosque of Paris urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the motives behind the attack, requesting judicial authorities to determine if it qualifies as a “terrorist act” and to recognize its “scale and seriousness” for the safety of all.
