Charles Martel-Early French Islamophobe (Hat tip Vlad Tepes)
The French city of Poitiers has great significance in history as the site where Charles Martel defeated the Muslim armies and stopped the spread of Islam into Europe some 1300 years ago.
On October 20, a group of about 70 French men identified as the Generation Identitaire occupied a mosque that was under construction. New English Review has a (sympathetic) report translated from French.
http://www.newenglishreview.org/blog_direct_link.cfm/blog_id/44518
Here is a French report from Dreuz (Guy Miliere) that reports that 4 of the men are facing a possible five-year sentence for their actions, which include damaging a prayer rug.
http://www.dreuz.info/2012/10/tapis-de-priere-degrades-a-poitiers-cinq-ans-de-prison/
In addition, Gallia Watch (linked on this site) has several sympathetic reactions as well as condemnations from French politicians and officials.
Sorry, but I cannot defend occupying someone's place of worship. This incident, however, is a warning sign that tensions are reaching the boiling point, not only in France, but all over Europe. This whole immigration issue involving Muslims is ripping these societies apart, and the national leaders are not listening to their people. The inevitable result is that resistance becomes more radical.
It is good to know that you do not countenance disrupting a mosque, any more than you countenance interrupting a concert to shout slogans and wave banners.
ReplyDeleteBut in the same breath, you imply that somehow this mosque has to go, because tempers are rising, and its part of 'this whole Muslim thing.'
Charles Martel defeated an invading army, not some employed residents who wanted to build a house of worship. There is a difference.