Council of State Upholds Expulsion of Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi for Calls to Hatred
The Council of State has upheld the expulsion of Tunisian imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi, citing his sermons that incited discrimination against women and Jews. In its ruling, the highest administrative court stated that certain remarks made by Mahjoubi during preaching “constitute acts of explicit and deliberate provocation of discrimination against women.”
Additionally, the Council of State mentioned “acts of provocation to hatred or violence against groups of people,” particularly focusing on comments targeting Jews and criticizing French society while promoting holy war in the current international context.
Mahjoub Mahjoubi, who was married to a Tunisian woman residing in France with whom he had six children, was expelled to Tunisia on February 22 after being arrested for advocating terrorism and radical preaching. Despite his expulsion, Mahjoubi intends to continue contesting it through legal avenues.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin hailed the Council of State’s decision as an “important victory against radical Islam.” The administrative court validated Mahjoubi’s referral on March 4, noting that his ties to Tunisia did not contravene the respect for his family life.
In response to the decision, Mahjoubi expressed concerns about the “enormous pressure” on his family remaining in France and reiterated his determination to challenge his expulsion through legal means.
The confirmation of Mahjoubi’s expulsion underscores France’s commitment to combatting radicalization and promoting social cohesion.
