Chems-Eddine Hafiz criticizes proposals to penalize hijab wearing in France

The rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, has reiterated his opposition to the National Rally's plan to ban the Islamic veil in French public spaces. He argued that there is no justification for fining women who simply wear a headscarf while going about their daily lives as professionals or mothers, provided they do not disturb public order. Hafiz questioned how police officers could practically enforce such a ban, noting the difficulty in distinguishing between a religious veil and other types of headwear. Additionally, he referenced the historical contribution of Muslims who fought for France in World War I and highlighted the current shortage of prayer spaces and places of worship for the Muslim community in the Île-de-France region.