Trial Set for Man Who Desecrated Quran Outside Lyon Mosque
He faces charges of "damage motivated by religious hatred."
The incident occurred in the early morning hours between Sunday and Monday, just before the dawn prayer. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the act, which led to the suspect’s arrest the following evening.
According to authorities, the man admitted to setting the Quran on fire while in police custody. Local news outlet Le Progrès reported that he has a history of psychiatric issues and has been under medical care for several years. A psychiatric assessment is expected before his court appearance. Prosecutors have requested that he remain in detention until the trial.
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Local officials described the act as “Islamophobic,” and the incident has drawn condemnation from various organizations and community leaders. The online collective “Musulmans de France” released a statement expressing support for the Conseil des Mosquées du Rhône and the Errahma Mosque.
“The burning of a copy of the Quran, just minutes before the dawn prayer, is part of a troubling wave of attacks against Muslims in France,” the group said. “This is not a random incident — it is a direct attack on freedom of worship and the dignity of millions of citizens. We call for firm measures and exemplary prosecution. It is time to act with responsibility.”
The event comes amid growing concerns over religiously motivated attacks. The French Interior Ministry reported 79 anti-Muslim incidents in the first quarter of 2025—an increase of 72 percent compared to the same period in 2024.
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In recent months, France has seen several public demonstrations condemning racism and Islamophobia. These followed a series of violent incidents, including the killing of Aboubakar Cisse, a Muslim man who was fatally stabbed during prayer by a suspect identified as Olivier A. Authorities say the attacker filmed the act while making derogatory remarks about Islam.
In a separate case in May, police opened an investigation after a voicemail surfaced in which a caller threatened violence against Muslims.
Community leaders and civil rights organizations have urged authorities to address a growing pattern of anti-Muslim violence.
Source: Agencies
