A wave of violence shook France yesterday, with at least three reported attacks (two in the country and one at the French consulate in Saudi Arabia). The incidents are being classified as terrorists with religious motivations, since the birth of the prophet Muhammad was marked.
At the origin of the attacks will be the words of Emamnuel Macron. The French president guaranteed that the country will not give in to pressure and that it will continue to fight for freedom of expression – and that includes the possibility of publishing and disseminating satirical cartoons.
In early October, in Paris, Emmanuel Macron addressed the citizens and presented a plan to combat the so-called “separatism”. According to Euronews, the president stated that “Islam is a religion that is experiencing a crisis today, all over the world”, stressing that there is a need to “liberate Islam in France from outside influences”.
Reducing education at home, putting an end to the system that allows imams to have training across borders and, furthermore, controlling religious funding were some of the measures announced by the government official. In addition, the associations will have to sign a contract in which they guarantee to respect the values of the Republic if they want to obtain subsidies.
Emmanuel Macron also proposed improvements in educational, cultural and sports services and a new law on secularism and freedom (due in December). An “Islam des Lumières” is needed, the president said, referring to the Enlightenment movement.
In addition to suggesting a way to resolve what he considers to be a problem in France, Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity to make it clear that the fact that the country is a secular state guarantees freedom of religion, rather than the opposite as pointed out by radical groups that accuse France to stigmatize Muslims.
“Our challenge is to combat the deviation of some in the name of religion, by ensuring that those who believe in Islam and who are full citizens of our Republic are not made targets,” he said.
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