Hundreds of people gathered for an anti-Islamophobia demonstration in Paris on Sunday to pay tribute to the man who was brutally killed while praying in a mosque in southern France days before.
The solidarity march brought together non-governmental organisations, political representatives and faith leaders who denounced what they described as an Islamophobic atmosphere in France.
“We have a system, we have a state that is afraid, and it is this fear that we are facing head-on,” said activist Assa Traoré.
Demonstators were seen holding signs reading “Islamophobia kills, the state is complicit,” and “Justice for Aboubakar,” the young worshipper killed on Friday.
Director General for NGO SOS Racisme, Valentin Stel, voiced his concern about a growing trend he’s observed in recent years.
“We’ve been witnessing for years, hate speech,” he said. “Hate speech targeting the Muslim community in France, saying that they are not fully French or their loyalty is questionable.”
On Friday, a young man identified as Aboubakar, was fatally stabbed by another man after he had just finished cleaning the mosque in the former mining town of La Grand Combe.
The assailant, a man born in France in 2004 who lived in the area and who reportedly had never been to the mosque before, recorded the scene on his phone. Security camera footage also showed him shouting insults at Allah, local media said. Both men had been alone in the mosque.
French leaders condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Francois Bayrou describing the attack as Islamophobic.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the victim’s family and the shocked worshippers,” he said. “The resources of the state are being mobilised to ensure that the murderer is caught and punished.”
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron emphasised that “racism and hatred based on religion will never have a place in France.”
“Religious freedom is inviolable,” he added.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin called the stabbing a “despicable murder” that “wounds the hearts of all believers, of all Muslims in France.”
Authorities said the suspect was still on the run on Sunday, but said 70 investigators were deployed and that police forces are working around the clock to arrest the man.
“We’re being particularly vigilant to make sure he doesn’t claim any more victims,” local prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini said.
ADVEReadNOWISEMENTThe Grande Mosque of Paris called on authorities to investigate the motives behind the attack, asking judicial authorities to specify whether the attack can be classified as a “terrorist act.” They’ve also asked to note its “scale and seriousness … for the safety of all.”