Muslim Brotherhood’s Infiltration in France: A Report
A recent report from the French government alleges that the Muslim Brotherhood has established a significant presence across France and Europe by infiltrating various government sectors and radicalizing Muslim communities. It appears they’ve employed decades of strategies to disguise their true motives under seemingly honorable causes, like combating “Islamophobia.”
The Muslim Brotherhood, which began in the 1950s among Islamic migrant workers, is described in this government-commissioned study as having crafted a model of political Islam that is tailored for Western society. According to Le Figaro, this extensive report further indicates that the Brotherhood has been expanding its reach into European countries, initially targeting Britain, Germany, and Switzerland, and eventually branching out to Belgium, Italy, and France, all aimed at resuming an Islamic “strategy of Western conquest.”
The study suggests that the Muslim Brotherhood not only exerts control over local Islamic systems but also actively penetrates French and EU government initiatives, providing a facade of legitimacy. It describes a strategy labeled as “European invasionism,” which utilizes various activist and lobbying networks, including the Council of Muslims and Islamic Relief, to influence local governance and secure footholds throughout the continent.
This very European infrastructure is cited as a primary source of funding for entities linked to the Brotherhood. Reportedly, the French Ministry of Higher Education has noted an uptick in EU funding warnings relating to projects touching upon “Republican values” and radical Islamism.
With the considerable influx of migrants from Islamic nations over the last decade, it’s suggested that the Brotherhood’s impact has been profound across France and Europe, potentially leading to a radicalization effect among the Muslim population.
The report highlights the Brotherhood’s targeting of economically disadvantaged Muslim communities, where they often position themselves in control of community services ranging from shops and educational institutions to personal development programs. Their stated objective is to shape Muslim behavior, promoting practices like veiling for women and observance of Ramadan.
It was noted that these initiatives often find their roots in mosques, which serve as venues for Quran education aimed at fostering a robust Muslim identity. At least 114 Quran schools are said to be affiliated with the Brotherhood, and many more are believed to be under its influence.
Additionally, the report identified approximately 280 Islamic Associations that are connected to the Brotherhood, impacting charity work, education, and youth engagement, effectively governing aspects of local Muslim life. It claims around 139 mosques directly associate with radical groups, accounting for about 7% of worship places for Muslims in France.
The findings also indicate that various campaigns against “Islamophobia” have legitimized the Brotherhood within the Muslim community. By harnessing liberal principles, they have created localized ecosystems that merge societal respect with political strategies, including support for Islamic finance and promoting a campaign against Israel.
Home Minister Bruno Retairo expressed concerns about the overarching goal of the Brotherhood to steer French society towards Sharia law, which he deemed unacceptable, pointing to a conflict with Republic values and national unity.
The report reveals that the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence extends beyond France, with Brussels, Belgium, being termed as a critical hub for their networks. Countries like Germany and Austria are seen as historical centers of the movement, while Northern Europe presents a smaller yet significant foothold. The report also notes that Balkan countries are viewed as potential developments for such movements due to their aspirations for EU integration.
Moreover, a concern was raised regarding EU-funded initiatives in the Balkans that could inadvertently provide financial support to groups aligned with the Brotherhood, particularly with aid flowing from the broader Muslim world, including Türkiye.
The report, anticipated for presentation to President Macron, admits there are challenges in dismantling the extensive network of the Muslim Brotherhood, as their operations often function within legal boundaries. Concerns persist regarding the authorities’ focus on terrorism, the fear of backlash, and strategies the Brotherhood employs to evade scrutiny.
Overall, the investigation reveals that the interaction between underground Islamism and certain political forces is altering liberal discourse, posing further challenges to the established freedom regime in France.
