The French Interior Minister, Gerald Darmanin, announced on Twitter the expulsion of a Tunisian Muslim cleric, Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi, for alleged “radicalism” and “unacceptable remarks.”
“The radical Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi has just been expelled from the national territory, less than 12 hours after his arrest. We will not let people get away with anything,” Darmanin said in a statement on X.
Darmanin had earlier issued instructions for a ministerial deportation order against the imam, emphasizing the need for firm action.
The controversy arose when a post by Mahjoubi went viral on social media, where he referred to the French flag as “satanic.” He was a preacher at the Ettaouba mosque in Bagnols-sur-Ceze, southern France.
Mahjoubi, denying any wrongdoing, claimed that his comments were taken out of context and that he did not intend to disrespect the French flag, which has three colors: blue, white, and red.
The expulsion order, excerpts of which were published by French media, accused Mahjoubi of promoting a “literal, backward, intolerant, and violent conception of Islam,” likely to encourage behaviors contrary to the values of the Republic.
Mahjoubi’s lawyer announced plans to appeal the expulsion procedure.
Reports indicate that Mahjoubi is currently in administrative detention in the Paris region, with BFM reporting his imminent departure on a plane to Tunis.
Darmanin did not specify the details of Mahjoubi’s detention or the expulsion process but attributed the swift action to the new immigration law passed earlier in the year.
President Emmanuel Macron, facing pressure on immigration and identity issues with the far-right RN party leading in polls for the upcoming European elections, has been urged to take a firm stance.
