French authorities have announced the closure of Al-Kindi School, the last officially recognized Islamic school in the country, citing “educational violations” and a “threat to republican values.”
The school, located near Lyon and managed by Algerian community leader Idriss Ben Aissa, is set to close by September 2025.
Officials claimed the decision followed reports of discriminatory practices and books promoting “jihad” in the school’s library. However, the school’s lawyers dismissed these claims as politically motivated, accusing the government of targeting Muslim institutions.
This move is part of broader policies seen as marginalizing Muslims in France, with critics arguing it deepens societal divisions and fuels feelings of exclusion among the Muslim community.
