French Islamic School Shuts Down Amid Government Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood

French Islamic School Shuts Down Amid Government Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood
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France’s European Institute of Social Sciences (IESH), an Islamic educational institution historically linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, has voluntarily disbanded following a government raid and allegations of terrorism links and illicit financing, The National reported.

The closure comes as President Emmanuel Macron intensifies his campaign against Brotherhood-affiliated organizations. Located in Burgundy, the IESH was officially notified of its dissolution by the Interior Ministry on June 17, 2025, which also froze its assets.

The institute, founded in 1992, educated approximately 200 students annually in Quranic studies, Islamic theology, and Arabic. In response to the government’s actions, the IESH board preemptively closed the center and appealed the decision, calling it a “negative signal to a whole section of society invested in civil peace and living together.” An anonymous source within the institute denied the accusations, stating that the claims were based on misinterpreted books and that the IESH aimed to provide context and critical analysis.

The IESH had faced scrutiny in recent months, including a raid in December 2024 where IT equipment was confiscated amid suspicions of Qatari funding. A May 2025 intelligence report accused the institute of strong ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, further fueling the government’s actions. Despite the closure of the Burgundy campus, the IESH branch in Paris remains unaffected.

Macron’s administration has introduced new measures to combat the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence, including disbanding endowment funds and implementing asset-freeze mechanisms. The IESH’s closure raises concerns about the future of Islamic education in France, as the institute was a key provider of training for Muslim religious leaders.