Radical groups target vulnerable minors in French child shelters, reports say

Radical groups target vulnerable minors in French child shelters, reports say

Reports from French and international rights groups have raised alarms over the infiltration of Islamist extremists into emergency shelters for at-risk children in France. These shelters, designed to protect vulnerable minors, are reportedly being exploited by individuals linked to Islamist groups—particularly the Muslim Brotherhood—posing as social workers or mentors.

These individuals allegedly target emotionally and socially fragile minors, offering them a false sense of identity and belonging through extremist ideology. The consequences have been severe, with several youths later involved in glorifying terrorism, joining extremist networks, or committing violent acts.

The reports also highlight major lapses in oversight, including the enforcement of strict religious practices and the presence of organizations tied to radical agendas. More than 70% of alerts related to signs of radicalization are reportedly ignored, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of France’s child protection system and the state’s commitment to preventing extremist influence.