Systematic Obstruction of…. Muslims!

In February 2018 the French government began a policy called the “Systematic Obstruction” policy.

The aim of the policy was to target so-called ‘radical Islam’.

According to the former French Home Secretary Christophe Castaner, pictured right, this is synonymous with:
the beard, hijab, prayer, religiosity during ramadhan and other normal expressions of Islam.

The small steps towards systemic Islamophobia: A timeline

  • February 2018: Policy is implemented in only 15 classified locations.
  • November 2019: Policy made public and extended to the entire country through the establishment of special departmental cells against ‘Islamism and communitarian withdrawal’ nationwide.
  • October 2020: President Macron introduces Islamophobic Anti-Separatism Bill which builds on the Systematic Obstruction powers.
  • July 2021: Anti-Separatism bill adopted by Parliament.

The Shocking Impact of the Systematic Obstruction policy

0
Government units nationwide to monitor Islam and Muslims
0
Muslim organisations and businesses placed on a secret blacklist and under strict monitoring
0
Muslim-owned organisations and businesses were closed

Including at least

0
Schools closed
0
Mosques closed
0
Businesses closed
0
Organisations closed
€0
Cash seized from Muslims

(Figures correct as of October 2021)

 On average this is a staggering:

24 investigations a day

15 closures a month

€10m seized a year!

How Muslim businesses and organisations are punished for being Muslim in France

101 special units of the French government aggressively check that legislation is being correctly implemented. This includes:

Security policies,

Health and Safety policies,

Taxes etc

The tiniest infraction leads to severe sanction:

Permanent closure

Temporary closure

Seizure of funds

Fines and financial sanctions

Entrenching the obstruction policy against Muslims through the Anti-Separatism Bill

“I request you to intensify your obstruction actions by systematically connecting with the departmental cells.
This obstruction policy will be soon strengthened by the new dispositions of the [Anti-Separatism] bill to reinforce respect for Republican Principles.”

– French Prime Minister Jean Castex

By targeting its Muslim minority on a systematic basis and despite its vicious whitewashing propaganda, the French State leads what can only be described as an Islamophobic persecution.

The Anti-Separatism Bill will only strengthen it by granting additional powers to the State.

It  is our duty to unveil the great injustice French Muslims currently face and speak out against a State whose actions are driven by its Islamophobic hatred.

Images used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Arthur Empereur and Florian David

Article last updated: October 2021

(NOTE: CAGE represents cases of individuals based on the remit of our work. Supporting a case does not mean we agree with the views or actions of the individual. Content published on CAGE may not reflect the official position of our organisation.)