Hawzah News Agency- The solidarity march brought together non-governmental organisations, political representatives and faith leaders who denounced what they described as an Islamophobic atmosphere in France.
Demonstrators were seen holding signs reading "Islamophobia kills, the state is complicit'', and "Justice for Aboubakar'', the young worshipper killed on Friday.
Director General for NGO SOS Racisme, Valentin Stel, voiced his concern about a growing trend he's observed in recent years.
"We've been witnessing for years, hate speech'', he said. "Hate speech targeting the Muslim community in France, saying that they are not fully French or their loyalty is questionable''.
On Friday, Cisse was fatally stabbed by another man after he had just finished cleaning the mosque in the former mining town of La Grand Combe.
French leaders condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou describing the attack as Islamophobic.
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron emphasised that racism and hatred based on religion will never have a place in France .“Religious freedom is inviolable'', he added.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin called the stabbing a “despicable murder” that “wounds the hearts of all believers, of all Muslims in France''.
Authorities on Monday said the main suspect in the murder surrendered to law enforcement officials in Italy last night.
Source: euronews.com
Your Comment