The mosque in the village of Allonnes in Western France, where preachers openly support the armed jihadist fight, will be closed at the instigation of local authorities. Violence and acts of terrorism were incited at the religious site, which the authorities say is a criminal offense.
“According to the information gathered, preachers and other activities of this religious site, visited by people belonging to or close to the radical Islamist movement, justify the use of armed jihad, martyrdom, terrorist acts, and the use of violence, hatred, discrimination, and the introduction of Sharia law,” said the authorities of the department of Sarthe in a statement.
The mosque in Allonnes, which has about 11,000 inhabitants, can hold about 300 followers. It also offers a Koran school, which is attended by about 110 children. In front of these minors, the preachers, according to the authorities, praised jihad.
The mosque can therefore be classified as a place of indoctrination. Inciting violence, hatred, discrimination, or defending terrorism are thereby considered criminal offenses. “In view of these matters and the Minister’s request, the Prefect of Sarthe has initiated proceedings to close this religious site,” the department announced.
