Overview

• Aboubakar Cissé, a young Malian worshipper, was fatally stabbed during prayers at the Khadidja mosque in La Grand-Combe on April 25, 2025.
• The suspect, Olivier Hadzovic, fled to Italy but surrendered to authorities and has formally accepted extradition to France, expected by mid-May.
• French authorities have opened an aggravated murder investigation with anti-Muslim aggravation, while the victim’s family plans to file a terrorism-related complaint.
• President Emmanuel Macron met with Muslim leaders to address concerns over rising Islamophobia and pledged increased security for places of worship.
• The case has highlighted political divisions, with the National Assembly observing a minute of silence for the victim, while the Senate opted for a statement instead.