Islamists: a demonstration at the gates of the Elysée

The french government is disturbed by the islamist demonstration which took place saturday, before the american Paris embassy.

Around 150 persons, depicted as close to salafist circles, have been arrested.

Question: Is this branch of extreme islam on the point of striking roots in the french banlieues? Primarily two things cause discomfort, first that this demonstration could take place in France, secondly that salafists managed to mobilise 250 persons. Then, that it proceeded at the verge of the US embassy, ie next to the Elysée – the buildings are virtually neighbours -, and also close to the interior ministry, which lies vis-à-vis the Elysée. In this quarter no demonstrations ever take place, and many people were shocked to watch over the tv how the Elysée white-shirt police overpowered demonstrators directly on the palace’s [Elysée] sidewalk.

What has happened? This demonstration was certainly not authorised, it was informal, the assembly was launched via the internet, through social networks. The salafists, accompanied by a handful of banlieue youngsters, found themselves at the Place de la Concorde. They couldn’t approach the embassy of the United States, which is permanently guarded by a major police force. So they dispersed into small groups that tried to approach the Elysée, and one of them made it. Ultimately, the police arrested 152 persons, in order to check their identity.

Since the debate has started to rage, former prime minister François Fillon has addressed the president of the republic, asking him how he could permit these people to approach the Elysée. The present prime minister responded by saying that the police had a job to do. Regarding the background, the president of the french council of the moslem cult has deplored this action, while qualifying it as marginal; simultaneously, Dalil Boubakeur, rector of the Paris mosque launched an appeal to the young moslems, asking them not to cede to the salafists’ sirens. Adding that he was anxious, and that this event should not be downplayed. This is also the opinion held by Manuel Valls, interior minister, who fears escalations, while remembering the gesture act of that radical islamist who left France by train on 8 june, in order to go and stab at random two officers at Molenbeek [Brussels, Belgium - this incident was reported here]. Unfortunately, there is a favourable humus in the french banlieues, where we find numerous youngsters whose ancestors were immigrants, poorly integrated into french society, and who are looking for a sense in their lives. The [french] republic will try to get them on board its values – hoping it will not be too late.