The Grande Mosquée de Paris was defaced with racist graffiti on Monday night, Le Figaro and 20 minutes report. The slogans “Allah the pervert” and “Allah the perverted whore” were sprayed on the wall of the building.

The rector of the mosque, Dr Dalil Boubakeur, said in a statement: “We deeply deplore the racist violence and hostility that have been shown against the Mosque of Paris, the iconic institution of Islam in France.” He added that a complaint has been registered with the police.

The mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, also condemned the attack.

“These insults are both irresponsible and intolerable”, he said. “By targeting the Muslims of Paris, those who have expressed them are attacking the Muslims of France and betraying the Republican past that binds us all. On behalf of the people of Paris and in my own name, I want to assure the rector of the Mosque of Paris, as well as the Muslim community, of my support and my friendship.”