22.05.2025 08:28
181
French government report on "Political Islam" draws criticism
A 73-page report, commissioned by the French government and prepared by the country's intelligence services and titled "The Muslim Brotherhood and Political Islam in France," has been published. The report has drawn criticism for targeting some synagogues and schools in France and for potentially increasing discrimination against Muslims.
The Islamic Council of France (CFCM) said in a statement that the report should not raise "widespread suspicions" about Muslims in the country.
The statement notes that terms such as "Muslim Brotherhood," "political Islam," and "extremist Islam" are lacking clear definitions in the report, and that the mosques and Muslim schools mentioned in it are likely to be turned into political tools.
The council warned that the report could target Muslim organizations and fuel discrimination against Muslims.
The French Muslim Federation (MF) said it welcomed the report with "surprise and concern."
The statement said the Federation strongly opposes attempts to portray itself as "the Muslim Brotherhood or its representative," noting that these allegations could seriously damage its reputation, influence, and legitimacy in the public eye.
The Federation recalled that it cooperated with the commission that prepared the report, and that all the requested information was provided responsibly, openly and in good faith. It was also noted that the Federation has been operating in France for 40 years within the framework of republican and secular principles.
The report said that 139 synagogues in France and a number of private schools whose state support has been suspended are "linked to the Muslim Brotherhood movement."
Of the 21 schools analyzed across the country, 18 were directly and 3 indirectly linked to the movement. The report's authors noted that the Muslim Brotherhood in France differs from other European organizations in that it prioritizes education.
The report states that through the "ecosystems" formed around Quran courses in France, the social life and activities of Muslims are being linked to the Muslim Brotherhood movement.
The Islamic Council of France (CFCM) said in a statement that the report should not raise "widespread suspicions" about Muslims in the country.
The statement notes that terms such as "Muslim Brotherhood," "political Islam," and "extremist Islam" are lacking clear definitions in the report, and that the mosques and Muslim schools mentioned in it are likely to be turned into political tools.
The council warned that the report could target Muslim organizations and fuel discrimination against Muslims.
The French Muslim Federation (MF) said it welcomed the report with "surprise and concern."
The statement said the Federation strongly opposes attempts to portray itself as "the Muslim Brotherhood or its representative," noting that these allegations could seriously damage its reputation, influence, and legitimacy in the public eye.
The Federation recalled that it cooperated with the commission that prepared the report, and that all the requested information was provided responsibly, openly and in good faith. It was also noted that the Federation has been operating in France for 40 years within the framework of republican and secular principles.
The report said that 139 synagogues in France and a number of private schools whose state support has been suspended are "linked to the Muslim Brotherhood movement."
Of the 21 schools analyzed across the country, 18 were directly and 3 indirectly linked to the movement. The report's authors noted that the Muslim Brotherhood in France differs from other European organizations in that it prioritizes education.
The report states that through the "ecosystems" formed around Quran courses in France, the social life and activities of Muslims are being linked to the Muslim Brotherhood movement.