France opens investigation after suspect steals, burns Quran

French police have opened an investigation following a complaint about an Islamophobic act involving an individual who targeted a mosque in the Villeurbanne district of Lyon. Reports indicate that the suspect entered the mosque, stole a copy of the Quran, and set it ablaze over the weekend.

A police source confirmed to AFP that authorities received a formal complaint against the man involved in this incident. The mayor of Villeurbanne, Cedric Van Styvendael, condemned the act, labeling it as yet another shameful Islamophobic attack in a city known for its peace and tolerance. He expressed his support for the local Muslim community, particularly those associated with the mosque that was attacked.

The online collective “Musulmans de France” voiced its solidarity with the Conseil des Mosquées du Rhône and the Errahma mosque, which was the focus of this recent Islamophobic assault. They described the burning of the Quran, which occurred just minutes before the dawn prayer, as part of a concerning trend of attacks against Muslims in France. The group emphasized that this incident is not an isolated event but rather a direct affront to religious freedom and the dignity of millions of citizens. They called for decisive measures and appropriate legal action, urging responsibility in addressing such hate crimes.

In recent months, France has witnessed numerous national marches against racism and Islamophobia, sparked by a series of violent incidents targeting Muslims. Among these was a horrific attack in which a man stabbed a Muslim worshipper, Aboubakar Cisse, multiple times while he was praying. The assailant filmed the act, making derogatory remarks about Islam and its followers.

Following these events, mosques and members of the Muslim community in France have increasingly faced similar threats and acts of violence. In May, authorities initiated an investigation after a man left a voicemail threatening violence against Muslims, using vile language to express his intentions.

As tensions rise, the call for unity and protection of all citizens’ rights grows stronger, with advocates stressing the need for vigilance and proactive measures against hate in all its forms.