French Muslims Deny Fault But Fear Reprisals Over Riots

In a very predictable outcome, Muslim leaders in France reject the notion that the riots that have ravaged that country for over 20 days were the result of Muslim rioters.

Mohammad Bechari, head of the National Federation of French Muslims (FNMF), said Muslim leaders were concerned about the rioting but disagreed with the way many local officials turned to religious leaders to try to calm the youths down.

"We refuse to be sub-contractors," he said.

"When French farmers go out on protest, they don't turn to the Catholic Bishops' Conference to intervene," Kabtane added.

Boubakeur said politicians should "stop Islamising all problems concerning Muslims ... We don't want to be the scapegoats for the failures of integration policy."

Bechari complained about what he called "a very strong rise in Islamophobia" and said xenophobic acts -- such as verbal and physical attacks on Muslims and their property were rising.

"We just want to be treated like everyone"

In another shocking revelation, the leaders worry about reprisals against Muslims. These guys are too easy.

Reuters here.