April 28, 2025 — Muslim leaders across France are calling for stronger action against anti-Muslim hatred after a brutal mosque stabbing that left a young worshipper dead in the southern village of La Grand-Combe.

Olivier A, 21, a French national from Lyon, was arrested late Sunday after surrendering to Italian police near Florence following a three-day manhunt. He is suspected of killing Aboubakar Cissé, 22, a Malian-born volunteer and carpenter, who was stabbed multiple times while praying alone at the Khadidja Mosque early Friday morning.

Reports allege that the attacker filmed the dying Cissé while shouting anti-Muslim slurs and congratulating himself, saying, “I did it.”

Shock and Demands for Justice

The killing has shaken communities across France. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the act, stating:

“Racism and hatred based on religion will never have a place in France.”

Prime Minister François Bayrou labeled the incident an “Islamophobic crime,” while Muslim leaders expressed frustration over what they perceive as systemic minimization of Islamophobia in France.

Mohammed Moussaoui, head of the French Muslim Council, told France Info radio:

“The majority of Muslims in France feel anti-Muslim hatred is not treated as seriously as other forms of hate.”

He questioned why authorities had not immediately launched an anti-terrorism investigation.

Investigation and Community Response

State prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini confirmed that the prime suspect had no prior criminal record but suggested an Islamophobic motive and possible fascination with death, hinting that the suspect wanted to be recognized as a serial killer.

Cissé’s cousin, Ibrahim Cissé, said the attack was clearly premeditated and should be classified as terrorism:

“For us, Aboubakar is the victim of a terrorist attack.”

Over 1,000 people marched silently in La Grand-Combe on Sunday, while hundreds protested against Islamophobia in Paris.

In response, the French government has ordered tightened security at mosques nationwide.