Grand Mosque of Paris Denounces Smear Campaign, Faces Accusations of Politicalization
Paris Grand Mosque Denies Politicization Accusations Amidst Smear Campaign
The Paris Grand Mosque is pushing back against what it calls an unfounded smear campaign. The mosque, a prominent Islamic institution in France, has vehemently denied accusations of political maneuvering and serving as a hub for Algerian interests. These claims, amplified by French news channel CNews and figures like Algerian dissident blogger Chouki Ben Zahra and former French ambassador to Algeria Xavier Driencourt, have sparked a heated debate about the role of mosques in French society.
Ben Zahra, appearing on CNews, alleged that the mosque has strayed from its religious purpose, becoming a center for political and ideological activities that advance Algerian interests in France. He accused the mosque of mobilizing the Algerian diaspora against its opponents and supporting pro-Algerian government influencers involved in alleged threats against Algerian political dissidents in France, thus destabilizing the country. He further claimed that the Grand Mosque’s rector, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, labeled Driencourt an “enemy of Algeria.”
These accusations have been echoed by other commentators. Algerian blogger Walid Kabir, for instance, supported Ben Zahra’s claims, adding that Hafiz is a lawyer for the Polisario Front and receives €100,000 annually from the Algerian government, with the mosque itself receiving between €2 million and €2.5 million in funding. These figures, while unverified, highlight the financial complexities surrounding the mosque’s operations.
However, Moroccan human rights activist Aziz Idmin offers a different perspective on the governance of mosques in France. He argues that, unlike mosques in many Muslim-majority countries, French mosques operate under the laws governing associations, making them essentially civic institutions. This structure, he explains, allows for certain groups to gain control through internal elections and alliances, leading to what he calls “behind-the-scenes maneuvering.” This can result in mosques being identified with specific national communities, such as “Moroccan” or “Algerian” mosques, rather than simply as places of worship for all Muslims.
Idmin’s observations raise important questions about the representation and management of Muslim communities in France. The increasing influence of the Algerian community within the Paris Grand Mosque, due to a larger number of members and donors, has led to concerns about its potential impact on other Muslim communities in France. This situation underscores the challenges of maintaining inclusivity and avoiding the perception of national divisions within French Islam.
Beyond the accusations of political activity, the Paris Grand Mosque also contends that the smear campaign is partly a consequence of its strong stance against the far-right, particularly during the recent elections. This claim adds another layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting that the mosque’s political engagement, even in opposition to extremism, may have made it a target. This highlights the delicate balance that religious institutions must strike between civic engagement and maintaining neutrality in a politically charged environment.
The controversy surrounding the Paris Grand Mosque reflects broader debates about the integration of Islam in France. The accusations of political influence raise concerns about foreign interference and the potential for social divisions. However, the mosque’s defense highlights the importance of considering the complex legal and social context in which French mosques operate, as well as the role they play in representing and advocating for Muslim communities. Further investigation and open dialogue are crucial to understanding the full scope of this situation and ensuring the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities within French society.
