French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced the expulsion of Tunisian Muslim cleric Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi from France due to his "unacceptable" comments regarding the French flag.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Interior Minister Darmanin announced the immediate expulsion of radical Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi from the national territory less than 12 hours after his arrest. Darmanin emphasised that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

According to the news agency Reuters, the expulsion of Mahjoub Mahjoubi followed a social media post in which he described the French tricolour flag as "satanic". However, the Muslim cleric, who was serving at the Ettaouba mosque in Bagnols-sur-Ceze, defended his remarks, stating that they were misinterpreted and that he did not intend any disrespect towards the French flag.

According to reports, Mahjoubi criticized the tricolour flag, suggesting that it was "worthless to Allah", although he did not directly name it. The cleric, who also operates a construction business, defended his comments, stating that they were misunderstood.

He expressed his intention to return to France, where he has lived for four decades, emphasising the dependence of his family on him. Mahjoubi particularly mentioned his youngest child, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment in the hospital.

His lawyer announced plans to appeal the expulsion procedure, disagreeing with the decision.

As per Reuters, excerpts from the expulsion order were disclosed by the French media, accusing Mahjoubi of promoting a "literal, backward, intolerant, and violent conception of Islam."

The order suggested that this ideology might provoke behaviours contrary to the Republic's values, such as discrimination against women, isolationist tendencies, tensions with the Jewish community, and the encouragement of jihadist radicalization.

As reported by Reuters, the Muslim cleric was deported to Tunis with France Info radio network as the source.  French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin highlighted the deportation as evidence of the effectiveness of the new immigration law, emphasizing that France's firm stance against unacceptable behaviour bolsters the nation.

The law, aimed at curbing the growing influence of far-right ideologies, seeks to ensure public safety and harmony.

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