✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
“Unfit, Inhumane, and Dangerous”: Outrage Grows Over Retailleau’s Complicity in Islamophobic Climate After Vicious Killing of Muslim Worshipper
Algiers, Algeria | May 5th, 2025 — France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, is facing a political firestorm and public fury after what many have called a cold-blooded, arrogant, and shameful display of inhumanity following the brutal killing of a young Muslim man, Aboubakar Cissé, inside a mosque. His calculated silence, refusal to meet the victim’s grieving family, and apparent disregard for Muslim lives have unleashed a wave of condemnation from across the French political spectrum and civil society.
Aboubakar Cissé was stabbed more than 50 times while in prayer. Yet the man charged with protecting all French citizens, regardless of race or religion, vanished from the national stage for two days—only to reappear quietly in Alès, avoiding the mosque where the killing occurred and evading the victim’s family entirely. This grotesque dereliction of duty has cemented Retailleau’s image as a minister who does not just tolerate Islamophobia—he enables it.
Marine Tondelier, National Secretary of the Greens, condemned Retailleau’s behavior as “deeply shocking, disrespectful, and offensive,” adding, “What kind of Interior Minister refuses to meet the family of a murdered citizen? If the victim had been Catholic and killed in a church, Retailleau would’ve rushed there with cameras in tow. His silence is telling—and revolting.”
Amina Konté-Bon, Vice President of the International Confederation of Soninke Associations, didn’t hold back either: “What is this man still doing in office? He has failed morally, politically, and ethically. His disdain for our community is blatant.”
Mam Yaffa, Deputy Mayor of Paris’s 18th district, expressed his “utter disbelief” that Retailleau “still hasn’t had the decency to face the family. What kind of Republic are we living in where a minister of religion treats Muslim citizens like second-class humans?”
On the floor of the National Assembly, MP Sabrina Sebaihi delivered a scathing indictment: “Fifty stab wounds in a mosque. A targeted, hateful attack. And what did the Interior Minister do? Nothing. Worse—he disappeared.” She declared that Retailleau’s behavior amounted not just to incompetence, but betrayal. “You are Minister of the Interior. You are Minister of Religious Affairs. And you failed. You failed morally. You failed the Republic. Muslim lives matter less to you—that is the message your silence sends.”
Sebaihi thundered: “This is not just a political scandal—it is a national disgrace. France deserves better. Your resignation is not optional, it is necessary. Leave now. You are unworthy of the office you hold.”
Senator Alexandre Ouzille added further weight to the calls for resignation, slamming Retailleau’s history of anti-Muslim rhetoric—including remarks calling for the eradication of Muslim women’s religious practices. “You helped build this climate of hate,” he said bluntly. “You don’t just reflect Islamophobia—you weaponize it.”
La France Insoumise went further, accusing Retailleau of orchestrating a campaign of Islamophobic agitation and fearmongering. “This minister does not protect Muslims—he targets them,” a party spokesperson said. “His hands are not clean. He has created the conditions in which Muslims are hunted in their places of worship.”
Even Xavier Bertrand, usually a Retailleau ally, conceded that his failure to act decisively and compassionately was a grave misstep. “As Minister of Worship, his absence was inexcusable.”
The brutal assassination of Aboubakar Cissé is not an isolated act of violence. It is the culmination of a political and media environment that has for years dehumanized Muslims, normalized hate, and emboldened extremists. Bruno Retailleau, through his actions and his silence, has shown that he is not a protector of the Republic’s values—but a threat to them.
Retailleau must resign. His continued presence in office is an insult to justice, an affront to decency, and a danger to every Muslim citizen in France.
About Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.
The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.
Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.
Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.
The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.
Stay Connected with Dzair Tube
Stay informed with the latest news, programs, and updates from Dzair Tube. Visit www.dzair-tube.dz, and for the English version, go to www.dzair-tube.dz/en/. Join Dzair Tube’s dynamic community on social media platforms.
