The French National Assembly observed a minute of silence on April 29 for AboubakarCisse, a Malian man fatally stabbed inside a mosque in the Gard region last week, reports MN TV.
National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet announced the tribute, describing the killing as a “cowardly assassination” that deeply shocked the nation. She emphasised the need for sobriety and dignity, warning against exploiting the tragedy for political gains. The observance came amid rising anti-Muslim violence in France, highlighted by a solidarity march in Paris earlier this week. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Place de la République, demanding stronger action against Islamophobia.
Civil society groups, political leaders, and religious figures united to condemn what they described as a hostile atmosphere for Muslims in the country.
The tribute sparked controversy within Parliament. Mathilde Panot, leader of the La France Insoumise (LFI) group, accused Braun-Pivet of initially rejecting the proposal under pressure from the far-right Rassemblement National (RN). Panot said the moment of silence was achieved despite resistance, stressing the importance of addressing Islamophobic crimes. Meanwhile, RN leader Marine Le Pen argued such tributes require unanimous agreement.
Cisse, 24, was attacked while praying, suffering between 40 and 50 stab wounds.
The suspect, a 19-year-old French citizen, surrendered in Italy and faces extradition to France.