Tensions in Paris remain high during Muslim celebration

World Today

tensions-in-paris-remain-high-during-muslim-celebration

Hundreds gather for morning prayers to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the holiest festival in the Muslim calendar. This mosque sits on the outskirts of Paris, in one of the French capital’s many suburbs with a high immigrant population.

CCTV’s Kate Parkinson reports. Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter @katecctvnews

The local mayor addresses the worshipers. Secularism is not the enemy of religion, he tells them. Islam can co-exist with a French secular state.

Inside the message is very much one of tolerance, acceptance, and social cohesion. But the reality in France is very different and religious tensions are at an all time high.

Long simmering tensions have been inflamed by the recent deadly terror attacks. And community leaders said anti-Muslim bias has further intensified in recent weeks in the wake of the burkini affair.

This is a time of celebration for Muslims around the world, but in France this year’s Eid festival is a rather muted affair.