Hawzah News Agency- A recent study by researchers revealed that at least 10,000 Muslim families — potentially 30,000 to 40,000 individuals — have left the country, fleeing systemic discrimination that permeates employment, education and public life.
This phenomenon is not merely a statistic; it is a human tragedy that raises urgent questions about France’s commitment to its own values and the broader implications for minority communities in the West.
Since February 2018, at least 1,000 Muslim organisations — ranging from mosques to businesses like restaurants — have been shut down, and another 30,000 have faced harassment through unannounced raids and administrative controls.
For Muslim parents, the situation is particularly dire. The de facto ban on homeschooling, heavily favoured by many Muslim families, has eliminated a vital option for those seeking to educate their children in alignment with their values.
Private Islamic schools, numbering only around 90 nationwide, are not a viable alternative for most, as they face constant state harassment or outright closure.
Public schools, meanwhile, enforce strict secular policies: not only is the hijab banned, but even prayer is prohibited, with reports of teachers calling social services or police when children are caught praying.
The closure of organisations, seizure of assets and harassment of individuals are not merely administrative measures; they constitute a form of state-sanctioned persecution that stifles Muslim voices and restricts their ability to participate in public life.
Despite this repression, there are glimmers of resilience. Since 2021, new Muslim voices have emerged, asserting their right to exist and speak out.
Source: 5 PILLARS
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