- Mahjoub Mahjoubi, 52, was flown to North Africa 12 hours after his arrest
France has deported a Tunisian cleric who allegedly described the country's flag as satanic.
Mahjoub Mahjoubi, 52, was flown to North Africa just 12 hours after he was arrested for preaching that allegedly went against French values.
His deportation last Thursday is seen as a demonstration of the strict immigration laws introduced by President Emmanuel Macron.
Mr Mahjoubi had gone viral on social media after appearing to describe France's tricolor flag as “satanic”.
He was arrested and deported despite having lived in the country since the 1980s and raising five children there.
Unlike them, he did not have French citizenship and his residence permit was revoked.
Mahjoub Mahjoubi, 52, (pictured) was flown to North Africa just 12 hours after his arrest for preaching that allegedly went against French values
His deportation last Thursday is seen as a demonstration of the strict immigration laws introduced by President Emmanuel Macron
Mr Mahjoubi had gone viral on social media after appearing to describe France's tricolor flag as “satanic”.
The official order expelling Mr Mahjoubi said he had conveyed a “regressive, intolerant and violent” image of Islam in sermons, behavior contrary to French values, discrimination against women, “tensions with the Jewish community” and “jihadist radicalization.” would promote.
DAILY EMAIL COMMENT
There are more and more people in this country who denounce and insult long-held British values. Nevertheless, we tolerate their vile presence here.
But in France, a Tunisian cleric is arrested during a protest for anti-Semitic rhetoric and misuse of the national flag and is deported 12 hours later, despite having lived in the country for 38 years.
If the French can do it, why can't we?
The imam also called “the Jewish people an enemy” and called for “the destruction of Western society,” the indictment says.
He also reportedly described the tricolor – without saying he meant the French flag – as “worthless to Allah.”
Mr Mahjoubi, who runs a construction company, claimed it was a slip of the tongue and added: “I will fight to return to France, where I have lived for 40 years.”
He said his family, including his youngest child who is in the hospital for cancer treatment, is completely dependent on him.
“My lawyer will take legal action in France. “If the court doesn’t agree with me, I will appeal and then I will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights,” he added.
“I have not insulted the Jewish community or the flag of France.”
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the expulsion was evidence that a recently passed immigration law “makes France stronger.”
The law tightening immigration conditions was seen as part of the government's response to the rise of the far right in opinion polls.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the expulsion was evidence that a recently passed immigration law “makes France stronger.”
“Firmness is the rule,” said Mr. Darmanin, who criticized what he called a “radical imam who made unacceptable comments.”
Mr. Mahjoubi said his expulsion was an arbitrary decision and that Mr. Darmanin was using his case to “cause a stir related to immigration law.”