In Paris, hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Sunday, April 27, 2025, to pay tribute to Aboubakar, a young Muslim man tragically murdered while praying in a mosque in southern France. The anti-Islamophobia march brought together activists, political figures, and faith leaders, all condemning the senseless killing and highlighting the ongoing issue of Islamophobia in the country.
Paris March Draws Attention to Rising Islamophobia
The solidarity march, organized by a coalition of NGOs, political leaders, and community advocates, was a call to action against the escalating tide of hate speech and violence targeting the Muslim community in France. Protesters held signs reading “Islamophobia kills, the state is complicit” and “Justice for Aboubakar” in response to the horrific attack.
Assa Traoré, an activist leading the movement, expressed the deep frustrations of the Muslim community, saying, “We have a system, we have a state that is afraid, and it is this fear that we are facing head-on.”
Tragic Details of the Attack
The tragic incident took place on Friday, April 25, 2025, when Aboubakar, a young man who had just finished cleaning the mosque in the La Grand Combe area, was fatally stabbed by an attacker. The assailant, reportedly a man born in France in 2004, had never been to the mosque before. The brutal attack was filmed by the suspect, who also shouted insults at Allah during the act. Security camera footage confirmed the assailant’s aggressive actions inside the mosque.
This attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with political figures from across France expressing their outrage. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou called the act Islamophobic and voiced solidarity with the victim’s family and the local Muslim community.
Calls for Justice and Action Against Islamophobia
Valentin Stel, director of the NGO SOS Racisme, underscored the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric, which has fueled hate and division in recent years. “We’ve been witnessing for years hate speech targeting the Muslim community in France,” Stel said. “Muslims are often portrayed as not truly French, their loyalty questioned.”
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron made it clear that “racism and hatred based on religion will never have a place in France,” stressing the inviolability of religious freedom. He assured that the state would act swiftly to bring justice.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the attack as a “despicable murder” that affected not just the victim’s family but also all Muslims across France. He added that the French authorities would continue their efforts to locate the suspect and ensure justice.
The Suspect Still on the Run
As of Sunday, authorities confirmed that the suspect was still at large. A dedicated team of 70 investigators has been mobilized to track down the man, and police are working tirelessly to prevent further violence.
Abdelkrim Grini, the local prosecutor, emphasized the urgency of the investigation, stating, “We’re being particularly vigilant to make sure he doesn’t claim any more victims.”
The Grande Mosque of Paris has called for a full investigation into the motives behind the attack and requested that judicial authorities determine whether the killing qualifies as a “terrorist act.” The mosque also stressed the need to address the “scale and seriousness” of the incident to ensure the safety of all religious communities in France.
The Ongoing Fight Against Islamophobia in France
This tragic event comes at a time when tensions around Islamophobia are running high in France, with Muslim communities feeling increasingly vulnerable. The government’s response, alongside the outpouring of support from civil society, demonstrates the deep commitment to confronting hate-based violence in all its forms.