The Bouches-du-Rhône police prefect has initiated the process to close the Bleuets mosque in Marseille, citing long-standing comments that allegedly legitimize violence. This move comes at the request of Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who has raised concerns about the mosque's activities and the sermons delivered by Imam Ismaïl (Smaïn Bendjilali). The mosque has been given a ten-day period to respond to the ministry's grievances and attempt to avoid closure.
The prefecture claims that Imam Bendjilali's sermons include rhetoric that incites violence and discrimination, particularly against women, with accusations of legitimizing marital rape and polygamy. Additionally, the mosque has been criticized for hosting preachers who have made statements supporting the recent Hamas attack against Israel, further raising alarms about its influence and teachings.
In response to these allegations, Imam Ismaïl has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that they are a collection of lies aimed at intimidating him and the mosque's community. His lawyer has emphasized the lack of judicial involvement in the closure decision, framing it as an attack on religious freedoms and expression. The mosque, which serves a congregation of approximately 300 to 350 attendees on Fridays, is now at a critical juncture as it prepares to challenge the ministry's actions.
