President Macron Condemns Mosque Stabbing as “Despicable Crime,” Affirms Zero Tolerance for Racism and Religious Hatred

Paris, The Gulf Observer: President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a young Muslim worshipper in southern France, declaring that “racism and hatred based on religion can have no place in France,” and emphasizing the inviolability of freedom of worship.

The statement came following the tragic events of Friday, when a worshipper in his twenties, originally from Mali, was fatally stabbed inside a mosque in La Grand-Combe, Gard region. The victim was reportedly attacked by a man who had initially prayed beside him before launching a frenzied stabbing assault, inflicting up to 50 wounds.

The attacker, identified as a 21-year-old French citizen of Bosnian origin named Olivier, fled the scene and remains at large. He is considered “potentially extremely dangerous,” according to regional prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Macron extended his condolences to the victim’s family and expressed solidarity with France’s Muslim community. “Freedom of worship cannot be violated,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s commitment to upholding religious rights.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou previously denounced the incident as an “Islamophobic atrocity,” while national outrage continues to build. A protest “against Islamophobia” was planned in Paris Sunday evening in response to the attack.

Authorities revealed that the attacker filmed the gruesome act using his mobile phone while hurling anti-Islamic slurs, later sending the video to another individual who briefly posted it on social media before removing it. The act has shocked both religious and civil institutions across France.

The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) expressed horror at what it termed an “anti-Muslim terrorist attack,” and urged the Muslim community to exercise increased caution. Similarly, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) condemned the murder, calling it a “despicable crime that must revolt the hearts of all French people.”

The victim’s body was discovered later Friday morning when fellow worshippers arrived for prayers. Investigations continue as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of religious communities.

This incident has sparked renewed national reflection on the urgent need to combat hate crimes and safeguard France’s foundational principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.