France Freezes Assets of Leading Islamic Institute, Sparking Concerns

France Freezes Assets of Leading Islamic Institute, Sparking Concerns
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French authorities have frozen the financial assets of the European Institute of Human Sciences (IESH), raising concerns among Muslim communities across Europe. The institute, established in the 1990s, is one of the largest centers for Islamic religious education in Europe, with thousands of students and educators.

Authorities cited alleged concerns over the institute’s funding sources and affiliations, though no conclusive evidence has been publicly presented. The IESH described the measures as unjustified and warned that restricting institutions promoting moderate Islam could create a vacuum exploited by extremist groups.

The institute emphasized its commitment to academic rigor, critical engagement with Islamic sources, and integration with French values, noting its early endorsement of the French “Charter of Islam.”

Critics argue the move signals increasing political pressure on moderate Muslim institutions and risks damaging trust between the state and Muslim communities. No official dissolution has been announced yet, but the case has sparked wider debate on religious freedom and secularism in France.