Hijab Ban in Olympics Reveals French Political Extremism, Thinker Says
Mohammad Talabi, the head of the Wasatyea (Moderation) Forum based in Morocco, told Anadolu Agency on Friday that the hijab ban shows that France is not only in conflict with its own Muslim population, but also with the whole of Africa and the Muslim world.
He said the decision reflects the lack of wisdom and vision of French President Emmanuel Macron, who is leading a strict and extremist form of secularism that infringes upon the religious symbols and freedoms of Muslims in France.
"Such decisions indicate that the French political mind is infected by extremism, and will end with an abject failure inside France and outside," Talabi said. He added that Macron is trying to appease the rising extreme right-wing bloc in Europe by adopting undemocratic policies.
Talabi said the hijab ban will affect the loyalty of both the French people and the French Muslims to their state, as they witness protests and violence across the country.
The hijab ban was announced by French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera last month, ahead of hosting the Olympics Games in Paris next year. The decision has sparked fears and outrage among female athletes who wear hijab as a personal choice.
However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) assured all athletes that they are free to wear hijab in the athletes village in Paris, despite the host country's decision to ban its athletes from wearing it.
The hijab ban has also drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the UN. "No one should impose on a woman what she needs to wear or not wear," said Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, estimated at 10% of its total population. Islam is the second-largest religion practiced in France after Christianity.
Source: Agencies
