The CCIF has been contacted by the association of the Mosque and Cultural Centre of Ardennes after a series of acts of criminal damage and vandalism at the mosque construction site in the rue Anatole France in Charleville-Mezieres.

According to preliminary information provided by the centre’s officials, supported by photographic evidence, Islamophobic graffiti was written on the walls of the mosque.

On the photographs that have been sent to us the message “No to Islam” and the (far-right) Celtic cross can be clearly seen.

Other Islamophobic acts had already been committed on the same site in mid-July, including the sabotage of the crane and builders’ huts and the theft of electrical cables, causing damage amounting to €11,000.

A complaint has been filed for each of the two cases, and the CCIF is already in contact with the leaders of the association to provide legal assistance and support.

Collectif contre l’Islamophobie en France news report, 6 September 2013