In France’s Haute-Loire and Ain departments, a mosque and a Turkish association affiliated with Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB) have been subjected to racist attacks: copies of the Kur'an‑ı Kerim were torn and discarded in a mosque, and a bullet was left in the mailbox of a DITIB-linked association. The incidents have drawn condemnation from both the government and Muslim community organisations.

Qurans Torn in Mosque Attack Sparks Outrage

The assault on the Puy-en-Velay mosque involved a group entering the premises and tearing copies of the Qur'an before scattering them on the floor. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez condemned the act in a statement shared on X, calling it unacceptable in the French Republic and announcing that a formal investigation had been opened. The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) also issued a statement expressing solidarity with the mosque community, describing the act as a serious instance of Islamophobia that must not be minimized under any circumstances.

Bullet Left at Turkish Association Raises Security Concerns

In the second incident, the Montreal-la-Cluse branch of DITIB was targeted when a bullet was placed in its mailbox. The association denounced the act as an attempt to intimidate the local Turkish community and undermine social cohesion. In its statement, DITIB expressed solidarity with members of the association and vowed to pursue legal action. The organization urged authorities to act with responsibility and sensitivity as communities grapple with heightened fears of targeted attacks.

Islamophobia Debate Intensifies After Controversial Survey

The incidents follow escalating criticism over a recent survey published on 18 November by the polling institute Ifop, which claimed to assess the relationship between Muslims in France, Islam, and Islamism. Critics said the survey violated neutrality standards and risked fueling anti-Muslim sentiment. The CFCM warned that surveys and political narratives portraying Muslims as a suspicious demographic could contribute to a rise in hate-driven actions. The council reiterated concerns about the instrumentalization of research targeting Muslim citizens and urged the community to remain vigilant.