Pigs' Heads Found at Mosques in Paris Region, Sparking Alarm Over Anti-Muslim Hatred

On September 7th, 2025, the Paris region was shaken by a series of disturbing incidents as at least 9 pigs' heads were found outside several mosques. The city's police chief, Laurent Nuñez, confirmed that 4 incidents occurred in Paris and 5 in the surrounding suburbs, adding that authorities were not ruling out the possibility of finding more.

The acts have sparked widespread alarm over the rising tide of anti-Muslim hatred in France. Nuñez stated that the police have opened an investigation into incitement to hatred aggravated by racial or religious discrimination, calling the incidents "despicable." Notably, some of the pigs' heads had the name of President Emmanuel Macron scrawled on them in blue ink.

The consumption of pork is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam, making these incidents particularly offensive and distressing for the Muslim community. Chems-Eddine Hafiz, the rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, denounced the "Islamophobic acts" as "a new and sad stage in the rise of anti-Muslim hatred."

The incidents have drawn swift condemnation from political and community leaders. Macron met with representatives of the Muslim community to express his support, while the Paris mayor, Anne Hidalgo, said the city had taken legal action, denouncing the "racist acts." The interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, called the incidents "outrageous" and "absolutely unacceptable," vowing to ensure that the Muslim community can practice their faith in peace.

As the investigation continues, the French authorities and community leaders are grappling with the alarming rise in anti-Muslim hatred, which has seen a 75% increase in incidents in the country between January and May 2025 compared to the previous year.