Leaders of religious minorities in Iran condemn Macron’s Islamophobic remarks

Blasphemy will hurt other religions' sanctities and only lead to war and bloodshed, the leaders of religious minorities said during a meeting held in Tehran on Friday afternoon, according to IRNA.

Bishop of Assyrian Church of the East in Tehran Mar Narsai Benjamin said such remarks made by president of a country which introduces itself as modern and civilized state is just a cruel move to insult all religions and all freedom-seeking individuals across the world.

He said such moves invite humanity to chaos, turmoil, war, massacre, looting and disorder.

In recent days, French President Emmanuel Macron has adopted anti-Muslim stances after an assailant decapitated Samuel Paty, a history teacher, who had used offensive cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a civics class in the capital Paris.

The Paris attack prompted Macron to say that he would fight against “Islamist separatism,” which according to him threatens to take control in some Muslim communities across France.

The French leader also defended showing the insulting cartoon in schools across the European country and considered the highly provocative move in line with freedom of expression, a move that has infuriated Muslims across the globe.

Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, also took a swipe at the French president for his anti-Muslim stances, saying Macron is only serving the interests of Israel.

“France is no more the country whose presidents played a major role in the world and showed dignity and courtesy,” Velayati said in a videoconference on Saturday, according to Tasnim News Agency.

The incumbent French president is following Zionists and takes anti-Islamic stances to win favors from the Israeli regime, he added.

Macron has incited the Muslim world’s hatred toward him, Velayati noted, warning that the Islamic world will take proper action against France and its president if such anti-Islamic approach continues.

“Muslims will stand against such an insult,” Velayati said.