“Enemy Within”: Islamophobia and Racism in France

“Enemy Within”: Islamophobia and Racism in France
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A recent article from The Guardian highlights growing concerns over Islamophobia and racism in France, arguing that French Muslims are increasingly being framed as “the enemy within” by ministers and public figures. The author, journalist and columnist Rokhaya Diallo, shares personal experiences of being targeted for her Muslim faith and for criticizing publications like Charlie Hebdo.

The article details how public officials use rhetoric of “infiltration” and “separatism” to discredit French Muslims. As an example, the author cites a claim by then-interior minister Gérard Darmanin that footballer Karim Benzema had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an accusation for which no evidence was provided. The article also mentions a government-commissioned report that, while ultimately finding no evidence of a Muslim plot to establish an Islamic state, recycled conspiracy theories that contributed to the narrative of Muslims as a threat to national unity.

According to the author, this rhetoric creates a volatile environment and contributes to an increase in Islamophobic crimes, leaving French Muslims in a perpetual state of suspicion.