wave of condemnations after the damage to a mosque during prayer
An individual tried to set fire to the door of the Saint-Martin-des-Champs mosque, near Morlaix (Finistère), during prayer, the Finistère prefecture and the Minister of the Interior said on Saturday, January 13. .
“This morning (Saturday), during prayer time, an individual tried to set fire to the door of the hall of the Saint-Martin-des-Champs mosque. The prefect of Finistère, Alain Espinasse, condemns in the strongest terms this act committed against a place of worship.indicated the prefecture in a press release.
Support from the Minister of the Interior
“Support for the Muslims of Finistère following the damage to the Morlaix mosque this morning. An investigation has been opened so that the author of these acts can be prosecuted”reacted Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin on the social network
Support for Muslims in Finistère following the damage to the Morlaix mosque this morning. An investigation has been opened so that the perpetrator of these acts can be prosecuted.
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) January 13, 2024
The French Council of Muslim Faith (CFCM) condemned “firmly” in the evening this “attempted arson”seeing “a terrorist attack”.
“This premeditated attack took place at a specific time of prayer and attendance at the mosque by the faithful”explains the CFCM in a press release, expressing “its full solidarity with the faithful and those in charge of the mosque who are extremely shocked and traumatized”.
A “racist fire”
“CCTV footage shows an individual spraying the door of the mosque with an flammable liquid before lighting the fire. The rapid intervention of the firefighters made it possible to avoid real carnage among the faithful”adds the instance, which wishes that “the criminal investigation, in progress for attempted destruction by dangerous means, be reclassified and that the anti-terrorism prosecution takes it up”.
Several political leaders condemned this act, like the first secretary of the PS, Olivier Faure, who hoped on “all will find the words to denounce this racist fire”. “By pointing out Muslims at every turn, the act always takes place”he accused.
“Again, a mosque is targeted by hate mongers. Solidarity with the Muslims of France targeted by this Islamophobic act. The culprit must be found and convicted”reacted on the same network the coordinator of La France insoumise, Manuel Bompard.
On the side of the majority, MP Karl Olive (Renaissance) condemned an act “unacceptable”. “I provide my full support to my friends of the Muslim faith for this heinous act. I know that Gabriel Attal’s government is very attentive and committed to protecting all our compatriots. Thanks to Gérald Darmanin for having a firm hand on the subject! »he wrote on X.
