Islamophobia at an all time high in France 18
I WORLD NEWS
More anti-Muslim acts have been reported in first quarter of 2015 than in all of 2014, says head of French National Observatory against Islamophobia. Anti-Muslims acts have hit a record high in the first trimester of 2015, according to the head of the French National Observatory against Islamophobia. Abdallah Zekri, head of the Observatory said in a statement that anti-Muslim acts rose by 500 percent, compared to the same period in 2011. “ Never since the establishment of the Observatory in 2011 have Islamophobic acts known such an implosion of actions or threats,
www.pi-media.co.uk I May 2015
especially on social networks,” Zekri said. Zekri stated there were 222 antiMuslims acts during the 1st quarter of 2015, (56 attacks and 166 threats) against a total of 37 acts in 2014 - “ An increase of 500 percent,” said Zekri. Zekri added that the number of anti-Muslims acts in January 2015 reached 178. He explained that this “burst” was mainly due to the deadly attack on the offices of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on Jan. 7, followed by a hostage situation in a kosher supermarket two days later, leaving a total 17 people dead.
“However, those horrific and terrifying crimes cannot justify under any circumstances the steep rise of hatred or revenge against Muslims in France,” stressed Zekri. “They (Muslims of France) are not responsible or guilty of committing these terrorist acts that devastated the country,” he added. Zekri said the assaults targeted men and women, generally in public places and transportation, and in some instances pregnant women. He also said that in certain cases, targeting mainly places of worship, grenades and firearms had been used. “This is simply racism and rejection of men and women who aspire to just be respected,” said Zekri. “Does the motto of the Republic ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’ make any sense? Unfortunately, the question (must be asked),” added Zekri. Zekri went on to accuse political leaders of remaining silent in the face of such an increase of anti-Muslim acts. “All this happens without any reaction from politicians, who, instead of denouncing, try to find excuses,” he said.
Juma Mosque opens after 90 Years The Red Juma Mosque, located in the Tomsk region of Russia has opened for worship once again after 90 years. The mosque has been returned back to the delight of the Muslim population in an official ceremony, World Bulletin repored. Tomsk Governor Sergey Jvachkin, Mayor Ivan Kleyin, Chechen Republic Parliament Speaker Dukuvah Adurakhmanov, and Chechen Republic Mutfi Salah Haci Meciev officiated the ceremony which was also attended by numerous representatives of the Islamic
community as well as hundreds of Muslims that were part of the congregation. The guests were greeted at the entrance to the mosque by Russias Asia Representative Mufti Seyh Nfigullah Asirov and Tomsk Regional Mufti and Red Juma Mosque Imam Nizomutdin Jumaev. Tomsk Regioal Imam Ozotmutdin Umayev opened the ceremony with a recitation from the Quran and and Sheikh Nafigullah Ahsyrov gave a speech, thanking the attendees. Governor Jvachkin thanked the Tomsk community for assisting with
the renovations and also thanked the Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Kadirov. The Russian Governor pointed out how the restoration of the mosque beautified the entire city. After the ceremony, Sheikh Asirov lead the Friday congregational prayer with the attendees. The mosque was first opened in 1901 but was seized and closed in the 1920’s and then used first as a cinema and then as a restaurant that served alcohol. In 2002 restorations began to open the mosque for service.