Imam of Bagnols-sur-Cèze: Mahjoub Mahjoubi was arrested by the police to be placed in a detention center

L'homme va être placé en centre de rétention en région parisienne. MaxPPP – Dauphin Philippe

Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi was just arrested on February 22, 2024 by the police. He will be placed in a detention center in the Paris region with a view to deportation.

According to information BFMTV, the imam of Bagnols-sur-Céze (Gard) was arrested on February 22 at his home shortly after noon in order to be placed in a detention center with a view to deportation. His lawyer has 48 hours to contest the procedure.

Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi's lawyer immediately declared that he was going to contest the procedure". "This appeal will aim to suspend the decision of the Minister of the Interior", he added. The goal ? "To demonstrate that there is no urgency to expel" the imam and give him time to "express his comments" in France. 

"Il est abasourdi, bouleversé": l'avocat de Mahjoub Mahjoubi s'exprime après l'interpellation de l'imam en vue de son expulsion pic.twitter.com/Bpack3nIFy

— BFMTV (@BFMTV) February 22, 2024

Note that this "referred expulsion" would not prevent the expulsion of the imam if it were decided today. Mahjoub Mahjoubi could, however, return to France later so that his request can be analyzed.

Furthermore, the magistrate deplores the fact of having received neither "summons nor hearing" . According to him, it is a "serious violation of fundamental rights".

Arrested with a view to possible expulsion

The Tunisian imam was arrested and handcuffed at his home in Bagnols-sur-Cèze where he was with his family. Taken to a detention center located in the Paris region, Mahjoub Mahjoubi could be deported soon. Last week, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin requested the withdrawal of his residence permit and a preliminary investigation for "apology of terrorism" had been opened.

A video of the imam, widely distributed, in which he made "anti-France remarks" had played the role of trigger. He defended himself by evoking a "slip". But in reality, Mahjoub Mahjoubi had been the subject of close surveillance for several months for his online activities and in Bagnols-sur-Cèze, where he works. 60~/p>

Remarks widely condemned

For the mayor of Bagnols-sur-Cèze Jean-Yves Chapelet: "All offenses likely to disrupt public order must be punished in a manner transparent." For its part, the Departmental Council of Muslim Worship of Gard "firmly condemns the unworthy remarks of the imam of Bagnols-sur-Cèze.

Also read: The words of Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi of Bagnols-sur-Cèze unanimously condemned by public opinion

"When I hear about a slip of the tongue around the question of the flag, I want to say that it's a slip of the tongue which lasts around ten minutes and which not only touches on the question of the flag but also on the place of women and the Jewish people who are seen as an enemy , had castigated the prefect of Gard Jérôme Bonet, who doubts a slip of the tongue, contrary to what Mahjoub Mahjoubi advances in his defense.