300 imams from Algeria and Morocco expected in France for Ramadan

About 300 foreign imams from Algeria and Morocco are expected to go to France in mid-May, to lead Muslim prayers in mosques during the month of Ramadan, said Franceinfo. The initiative is part of a bilateral agreement.

During the holy month, Muslim communities have special needs. They seek religious scholars capable of reciting the Koran, explained daily newspaper 20 Minutes.

«Around 250 and 300» of them are expected in France, «through a one-month-long visa», a well-informed source told the same newspaper. These scholars are added to the 300 «imams assigned» permanently by Turkey (about 150), Algeria (120) and Morocco (around thirty).

This operation has been criticized by some politicians. «Organizing the arrival of foreign imams in France is a heresy,» said former Secretary of State Jeannette Bougrab.

It is important to «as soon as possible (...) put an end» to the bilateral agreements allowing the arrival of these religious men, said the former Prime Minister Manuel Valls, estimating that «it does not go hand in hand with the idea we want to convey about Islam».