France Suspects Foreign Intelligence Over Pigs' Heads Left Outside Mosques
PARIS (AP) — French police suspect that people who left pigs' heads outside Paris mosques on Monday night were acting under orders from a foreign intelligence service, probably Russian.
According to investigators, two individuals drove a Serb-registered car and used a Croatian mobile telephone to carry out the provocative act. The pair crossed into Belgium a few hours later, leaving behind a trail of outrage and condemnation in their wake.
The incident bears striking similarities with other recent provocations, including the daubing of Stars of David on Paris walls in October 2023 and the painting of red hands on the city's Holocaust memorial in May 2024. In both cases, investigators have identified connections to foreign nationals: a Moldovan link in the first case and four Bulgarians due to stand trial in October for their alleged involvement in the second.
"This appears to be an attempt to destabilize France orchestrated by Russian intelligence," said the prosecutor involved in the red hands affair.
The pigs' heads were found on Tuesday morning outside nine mosques in central Paris and surrounding suburbs. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning the act as a desecration of sacred spaces.
"This is not just an attack on our faith, but also on our values of tolerance and respect," said Anouar Kbibech, president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith.
The incident has raised concerns about the role of foreign intelligence services in fomenting instability within France. While Russia has denied any involvement, investigators believe that the two individuals involved were likely acting under orders from a foreign power.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the plot and identify those responsible. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and foreign intelligence services seeking to destabilize Western democracies.
In related news, Iran has been accused of involvement in several recent incidents targeting French interests, including the 2023 assassination attempt on a former Iranian diplomat living in France. While Tehran has denied any wrongdoing, investigators believe that the regime's Revolutionary Guard Corps may be involved in the plot.
The incident has also sparked debate about the role of foreign intelligence services in fomenting instability within France and the need for greater international cooperation to combat extremism.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the plot and identify those responsible. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and foreign intelligence services seeking to destabilize Western democracies.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
