Islamophobia in France: Pig heads found outside mosques in Paris

Paris police are investigating a series of disturbing incidents in which pig heads were found outside several mosques in and around the capital on the morning of September 9. The locations affected include mosques in Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis to the east, and Hauts-de-Seine to the southwest.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez condemned the acts as “abject” in a post on social media platform X and assured the public that authorities are “doing everything possible to find those responsible for these despicable acts.” Police continue to gather evidence at the affected sites, Caliber.Az reports via Morocco World News. 

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau also expressed his support for the Muslim communities targeted in these provocations.

On X, he called the incidents “unbearable,” describing attacks on places of worship as showing “unfathomable cowardice,” and offered full support to mosque leaders and worshippers.

Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or released details about potential motives behind what appeared to be coordinated attacks.

The incidents come amid a broader context of rising Islamophobia in France, which has targeted both Muslim individuals and places of worship.

In June, police investigated a complaint against a man suspected of breaking into a mosque in the Villeurbanne district of Lyon, stealing a Quran, and setting it on fire.

In May, Driss Soussi, president of the Sucy Muslim Cultural Association, reported receiving a voicemail containing Islamophobic insults and threats to slit the throats of community members; a suspect was subsequently arrested.

National marches against racism and Islamophobia have increased following a brutal attack on Aboubakar Cisse, a Muslim man stabbed 40 to 50 times while praying inside a mosque.

During the attack, the perpetrator reportedly insulted God, Islam, and Muslims while documenting the assault.

By Sabina Mammadli