France investigates Islamophobic threats against mosque following tragic murder

France has initiated an investigation after a mosque in Sucy-en-Brie, located 15.4 kilometers from central Paris, received alarming Islamophobic threats. A voicemail left by an unidentified man contained derogatory remarks aimed at Muslims, coupled with a chilling threat: “We’re going to slit your throats.”

The caller’s message, reported by Le Parisien, was filled with hostility, encapsulating a disturbing atmosphere of fear and aggression. “You are filthy Muslim sh****. You want to play the victims, filthy pigs…” the individual ranted during the voicemail, which was recorded at around 9 p.m. last Thursday.

Driss Soussi, president of the Sucy Muslim Cultural Association, promptly reported the incident, leading to the arrest of a suspect who was taken into police custody on Saturday. Following the threatening call, a man approached the mosque claiming to be the nephew of the caller. He expressed remorse, suggesting ways to make amends for his relative’s actions.

The mosque’s president formally lodged a complaint, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents to law enforcement. “The only rule in these kinds of situations is to report it to the police… It’s up to them to assess the seriousness of the offense,” Soussi stated.

On Sunday, police successfully identified and located the individual who had sent the email, summoning him for questioning. After initial inquiries, he admitted to making the Islamophobic remarks, attributing his behavior to intoxication at the time.

Soussi praised the swift action taken by the authorities, noting that such acts of hate are “very rare” in Sucy. This incident follows a particularly tense period marked by the brutal murder of Aboubaker Cisse, a 22-year-old Muslim man who was fatally attacked while praying at the La Grand Combe mosque. The assailant, Olivier A., reportedly stabbed Cisse 40 to 50 times in a horrifying act of violence.

The Muslim community in France has expressed deep frustration and anger in response to these incidents, calling for justice for Cisse and for all Muslims who face similar threats. While some French officials have condemned these acts of Islamophobia, others have refrained from explicitly labeling them as such.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou has, however, been clear in his condemnation of the violence. “The facts are clear: A 22-year-old man was murdered in a mosque while he was praying. His attacker filed the killing while hurling insults against Allah. So I ask: If this isn’t hatred directed at Islam, then what is it?” he remarked in a recent interview.