Imam Abdourahmane Ridouane Arrested for Imminent Expulsion from France

Pessac, France – CAGE International is calling for the immediate release of Imam Abdourahmane Ridouane, president of a mosque in southwestern France. Imam Ridouane has been placed under police custody and faces imminent expulsion following an order from the Ministry of the Interior. He has been under house arrest since at least June 2024. This harsh measure is part of a broader crackdown on Muslim activism announced in May 2024.

Imam Ridouane, who recently won a case to renew his residency in France, is known for his outspoken support for Palestine and his criticism of France's neo-colonial policies in Niger, his country of origin.

In 2022, the state attempted, but failed, to shut down the mosque led by Ridouane.