Algiers castigates -

Sebastian Scheiner / AP / SIPA

Algiers first reaction to Emmanuel Macron's statements.

The High Islamic Council in Algeria, an official institution, on Monday strongly condemned the "virulent campaign against the Prophet Muhammad" of the French president.

"We deplore the emergence of groups which deviate from human values" and which "in the name of freedom of expression, insult Islam and its Messenger", reacted the High Council, in a press release published on the Facebook page of the Algerian presidency.

"A leader who prides himself on being the protector of the values ​​of fraternity"

Without mentioning French President Emmanuel Macron by name, the press release regrets that this smear campaign emanates from "an official who prides himself on being the protector of the values ​​of fraternity, freedom and equality".

The press release alludes to the words of Emmanuel Macron, who assured that France would continue to defend the cartoons of Mohammed during the tribute last Wednesday to Professor Samuel Paty, beheaded in an Islamist attack for showing these drawings in class.

"Respect for religious symbols"

Emmanuel Macron's statements sparked a flood of criticism in the Muslim world, from political and religious leaders, elected officials but also ordinary citizens on social networks, and provoked protests and calls to boycott products. French.

The HCI urges "the wise men of the world, religious and human rights organizations as well as the instances of interreligious dialogue to face this extremist discourse" and to "work for the respect of common religious symbols against hatred and racism ”.

"Instrumentalisation of Islam"

In addition, the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, the Franco-Algerian lawyer Chems-Eddine Hafiz, considered a moderate, in a tweet condemned the calls for boycott, denouncing an "instrumentalisation of Islam", "aimed at to discredit ”France.

The oldest Muslim institution in mainland France, the Grand Mosque of Paris is controlled and largely funded by Algeria.

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