Protests in Corsica after attack on Muslim prayer hall

Corsicans staged a fresh protest on the French Mediterranean Island after demonstrators assaulted fire fighters

 

Dozens of angry Corsicans staged a fresh protest on the French Mediterranean Island after demonstrators assaulted fire fighters and vandalized a Muslim prayer hall, along with trashing copies of the Holy Qur’an.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls wrote on Twitter that the break-in was “an unacceptable desecration”, while also condemning the “intolerable attack” on the wounded firefighters. 
 
French InterioAAr Minister Bernard Cazeneuve also said the attack on the Muslim prayer hall showed signs of “racism and xenophobia”. He also condemned the assault on law enforcement and safety officers in Corsica, saying he hoped “the authors of the violence would be identified and arrested as soon as possible.

On Friday afternoon, 600 people had gathered in front of police headquarters in a show of support for the police and firefighters. But some 300 broke away to head for the housing estate. The group smashed a Muslim prayer room, partially burning books including copies of the Holy Quran.