French authorities set to take stringent sanctions to stem racist acts targeting Algerians

French Interior Minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, announced Thursday during a press conference held at the French embassy in Algiers the conclusion of an agreement with the Algerian religious affairs ministry pertaining to the adequate selection and training of Algerian Imams or religious preachers who will be entrusted with officiating in mosques in various parts of France.

Among the criteria set by the two sides as part of this bilateral accord, the chosen Imams should master the French language and must also abide strictly with the values and laws of the French Republic during their entire religious officiating mission in France.

These well-trained Imams will be used to counter the nefarious and rising religious extremism upheld by some radical groups during their sermons and orientations in the various mosques in France.

This salutary move is aimed at stifling such troublesome radical groups and preserving and safeguarding the genuine precepts and lofty values of Islam, a religion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood.

Mr Cazeneuve also asserted that the French authorities are set to enforce drastic sanctions against anyone in France involved in reprehensible racist acts targeting Algerians.