France: Muslims Record Themselves Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ Inside Bordeaux Cathedral

Image: Jihad Watch

Three teenagers—aged 16 and 17—were taken into custody by police on Wednesday, November 5, shortly after midday, inside the nave of Saint-André Cathedral in central Bordeaux. The youths are facing accusations of publicly condoning terrorism after allegedly filming themselves shouting “Allahu Akbar” within the historic cathedral.

According to early details, what the teenagers claimed was a “joke” quickly escalated into a disturbing scene. The group of five adolescents reportedly recorded multiple videos inside the cathedral, loudly repeating the phrase “Allahu Akbar” as they moved through the nave. Their actions alarmed several worshippers who were present for prayer and immediately notified authorities, fearing a serious threat.

By the time police arrived, only three of the teenagers remained on site; the other two had already fled the scene. The three apprehended minors were placed under police custody while officers reviewed the videos and collected witness statements.

Despite the tense atmosphere their actions created, investigators have emphasized that there is no terrorist intent behind the incident. “This is completely stupid behavior. The terrorist angle has been ruled out,” the Gironde Regional Directorate of the National Police (DIPN) stated, attempting to reassure the public following the disruption.

As of now, the three detained teenagers remain in custody while authorities determine the next steps in the legal process. Under French law, publicly condoning or encouraging acts of terrorism is a serious offense, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a €75,000 fine. The outcome of this case will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation and how prosecutors choose to interpret the teenagers’ actions in light of national security legislation.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)