This first reaction of Algeria after the controversy over the cartoons of the Prophet came from its High Islamic Council, an official institution.

A new conviction. The High Islamic Council in Algeria, an official institution, blasted Monday a “virulent campaign” against Islam. This is Algiers’ first reaction to French President Emmanuel Macron’s statements about the freedom to caricature the Prophet Muhammad, which has sparked anger in the Muslim world.

“We deplore the emergence of groups which deviate from human values” and which “in the name of freedom of expression, insult Islam and its Messenger”, reacted the High Council, in a press release published on the Facebook page of the Algerian presidency.

“The High Islamic Council (HCI) strongly condemns this virulent campaign against the Prophet Muhammad”, continues this consultative body responsible in particular for issuing opinions in the light of religious prescriptions. The HCI is made up of fifteen members appointed by the President of the Republic.

Macron targeted without being named

Without naming French President Emmanuel Macron by name, he regrets that this smear campaign emanates from “an official who prides himself on being the protector of the values ​​of fraternity, freedom and equality”.

The press release alludes to the words of Mr Macron, who assured that France would continue to defend the cartoons of Mohammed during the tribute last Wednesday to Professor Samuel Paty, beheaded in an Islamist attack for showing these drawings in class.

VIDEO. Caricatures of Mahomet: French products boycotted, Macron’s portrait burnt

The Algerian Islamic High Council urges “the wise men of the world, religious and human rights organizations as well as the instances of interreligious dialogue to face this extremist discourse” and to “work for the respect of common religious symbols against hatred and racism ”.

Mr Macron’s statements sparked a flood of criticism in the Muslim world, from political and religious leaders, elected officials but also ordinary citizens on social networks, and provoked protests and calls to boycott French products.

“Macron launched an attack against Islam and Muslims”

Algerians questioned in the street by AFP also expressed their disapproval. “Macron launched an attack against Islam and Muslims,” ​​said Mekid Ahcen, a 42-year-old day labourer. “I ask the Arab peoples and Muslims to boycott all French products. In addition to the boycott, the Algerians must take to the streets to express their anger and their support for our prophet Muhammad who is our guide, ”he said.

“We Muslims responded to Macron by protesting on social networks like Facebook,” said Nawal, a 51-year-old high school teacher.

In addition, the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, the Franco-Algerian lawyer Chems-Eddine Hafiz, considered a moderate, in a tweet condemned the calls for boycott, denouncing an “instrumentalisation of Islam”, “aimed at to discredit ”France. The oldest Muslim institution in mainland France, the Grand Mosque of Paris is controlled and largely funded by Algeria.