French PM affirms La Grande Combe mosque murder as an act of Islamophobia

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has reiterated his stance that the brutal attack against a Muslim individual at a mosque last month constitutes an act of Islamophobia. His comments emerge amidst escalating political backlash and public discourse, with various political figures and activists criticizing his description of the incident as an Islamophobic murder.

In an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, Bayrou expressed his commitment to his position. “Yes, I stand by it. I can see there’s a lot of debate. And to be honest, I often don’t understand some of these controversies,” he stated. He recounted instances in his political career where there was reluctance to confront the reality of certain terms.

“The facts are clear: a 22-year-old man was murdered in a mosque while he was praying. His attacker committed the killing while hurling insults against Allah. So I ask: if this isn’t hatred directed at Islam, then what is it?” he asserted.

The controversy ignited following the murder of Aboubakr Cisse, a Malian Muslim, who was stabbed between 40 and 50 times inside a mosque in southern France. The assailant, identified as Olivier A, fled to Florence, Italy, after the incident, where he subsequently surrendered to authorities. Reports indicate that the perpetrator filmed himself making derogatory comments about God and expressed intentions to commit similar acts.

The attack has provoked significant outrage within the Muslim community, leading to protests in several cities against the rising tide of Islamophobia. Despite the community's frustration, French officials have continued to make controversial remarks. President Emmanuel Macron has asserted that France guarantees religious freedom, yet recent statements from officials, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, reflect a normalization of anti-Islam sentiments.

Retailleau has voiced support for a ban on hijab usage in universities, citing concerns about a form of Islamism he believes is distinct from traditional Muslim faith. “There is an Islamism that is trying to plant its flag, its own values, which in my view include the subjugation of women to men, and we must be wary of it,” he remarked.

Contrastingly, Bayrou has highlighted the absence of the term Islamophobia in legal discourse, emphasizing that his focus is on the realities of the situation rather than the terminology used. “I see a growing danger of viewing our fellow citizens only through the lens of their origin, skin, color, or religion. I see hatred of Muslims and Islam, hatred of Jews and Judaism. And hatred of Christians,” he stated.

As the media scrutiny intensifies, it remains uncertain how Bayrou’s unwavering position will be influenced by the ongoing backlash regarding his characterization of the tragic events at La Grande Combe mosque.