On Sunday, April 27, 2025, a rally against Islamophobia took place in Paris, drawing several hundred attendees, including prominent political figures such as Deputy Jérôme Guedj and Jean-Luc Mélenchon. The event was organized as a tribute to Aboubakar Cissé, a Muslim man who was tragically murdered in a mosque in La Grand-Combe just two days prior.
However, the rally was marred by tensions when Guedj, a member of the Socialist Party (PS), was violently confronted by a group of protesters. As he attempted to participate in the demonstration, he was met with shouts of "Dégage!" (Get out!), "fils de p****" (son of a bitch), and accusations of being a "sioniste" (Zionist). These confrontations forced Guedj to leave the rally, highlighting the deep divisions within the anti-racism movement.
Guédj expressed his disappointment, stating, "I could have chosen not to come, but it would have saddened me because I was deeply affected by Aboubakar's assassination. We need to come together, not divide!" He emphasized that the rise of racist rhetoric in recent times has been disheartening, noting that this was the third demonstration where he had been labeled a Zionist, which he believed could discourage others from participating in these important discussions.
The rally, while intended to honor Cissé and denounce Islamophobia, became a platform for political infighting. Guedj pointed out that while he was being targeted, other Socialist Party members present were not subjected to the same hostility. He remarked, "I was rejected by excited individuals who are giving up on this united anti-racist fight." This sentiment was echoed by fellow politicians, including Senator Pierre Ouzoulias, who condemned the violence against Guedj, stating, "Attacking a universalist socialist at the tribute organized for a Muslim compatriot is the dream of the extreme right, the war of all against all."
Amid the turmoil, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI), criticized right-wing figures such as Bruno Retailleau for fostering an "Islamophobic climate" following the tragic events in La Grand-Combe. Mélenchon’s presence at the rally underscored the urgency of addressing the rising tide of Islamophobia, particularly in the wake of the murder of Cissé, which has drawn widespread condemnation across political lines.
As tensions flared, the rally also brought to light accusations against Mayor Laurence Baldit of La Grand-Combe, who was criticized by Rima Hassan, an LFI euro-deputy. Hassan accused Baldit of attempting to prevent the tribute march and labeled her as "raciste" (racist) in a message posted on social media. Baldit defended herself, stating that the accusations were politically motivated and detracted from the focus on honoring the victim and supporting the Muslim community.
Despite the divisions among political factions, the rally ultimately succeeded in gathering a diverse group of citizens, religious leaders, and elected officials who came together to pay their respects to Cissé. Baldit acknowledged that while she was unable to attend due to a prior meeting with government officials, she remained committed to supporting the Muslim community. "This does not take away from the support I provide to the entire Muslim community, which knows it can count on me," she asserted.
The event served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding discussions of race, religion, and identity in contemporary France. Many attendees expressed their concerns about rising Islamophobia and the challenges faced by the Muslim community in the wake of violent incidents. One attendee, a Muslim woman, shared her feelings of insecurity in France, which moved Mélenchon to tears.
In the aftermath of the rally, Guedj reiterated his commitment to fighting for a united front against racism and discrimination. He stressed the importance of solidarity among all communities, regardless of their backgrounds. "We must break this identity-based silence that distracts us from our shared humanity," he stated, calling for a collective effort to combat racism in all its forms.
The rally against Islamophobia in Paris on April 27 was not only a tribute to Aboubakar Cissé but also a reflection of the ongoing struggles faced by various communities in France. As political leaders grapple with the complexities of identity politics and the rise of extremist rhetoric, the need for unity and understanding remains more crucial than ever. The events of that day serve as a poignant reminder of the work that still needs to be done to foster a truly inclusive society where all individuals can feel safe and respected.
