Overview

• The administrative tribunal suspended execution of the two‑month closure ordered on 6 October by Prefect Georges‑François Leclerc.
• The ruling held that the measure violated the fundamental freedom of worship and created urgent harm for the managing association and worshippers, particularly those with reduced mobility.
• Judges found the imam’s social‑media posts do not present a current threat of provoking hatred or violence, and noted no conduct contrary to the 1905 law and no worshipper implicated since his return.
• The prefect personally defended the order at Friday’s hearing as mosque lawyers argued the closure would affect roughly 500 faithful and disrupt charitable activities without viable nearby alternatives.
• Imam Smaïn (Ismail) Bendjilali received a six‑month suspended sentence in May for apology of terrorism, a ruling he has appealed.