Paris authorities cancel Muslims of France annual meeting over terror threats and foiled bomb attack

France’s 40th annual gathering of Muslims has been officially canceled due to heightened concerns over potential terror threats, Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure announced on Thursday via X.

The event, originally scheduled from April 3 to April 6 at the Paris–Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, was called off at the request of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

Faure explained that the decision comes amid elevated risks of terrorism and public disturbances in Paris, where authorities plan to maintain a significant police presence in the coming days.

The announcement follows last weekend’s foiled bomb attack targeting Bank of America offices, believed to be connected to tensions arising from the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.

Organizers Pledge Legal Challenge

Makhlouf Mameche, head of the organization responsible for the event, confirmed the ban and stated that the group intends to pursue legal action against the prohibition.

Mameche emphasized the importance of the annual gathering, which attracts thousands of participants from across Europe, and argued that the cancellation infringes upon their rights to assembly and religious practice.

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Religious Leaders Support Ban

French Imam Hassen Chalghoumi publicly backed the government’s decision, calling it a demonstration of responsibility and political courage.

Chalghoumi described the gathering as “the largest Muslim Brotherhood assembly in Europe” and stressed that protecting public safety and national values must take priority over mass gatherings in times of elevated risk.

Growing Scrutiny of the Muslim Brotherhood

The cancellation comes amid increasing scrutiny of the Muslim Brotherhood across Europe and the United States.

In January, France’s National Assembly adopted a resolution to place the organization on the European list of terrorist entities, a move that drew criticism from some left-wing parties accusing the government of Islamophobia.

Other nations have taken similar measures:

• In mid-March, the Dutch House of Representatives moved to ban the Muslim Brotherhood in the Netherlands.
• In November 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott labeled the group a foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organization.

Impact and Consequences

• Tens of thousands of participants are affected by the sudden cancellation
• Increased police presence signals heightened alert across Paris and other French cities
• Legal disputes could arise between organizers and government authorities
• Broader implications for Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated organizations in Europe
• Heightened tensions could exacerbate societal divisions and anti-Islamophobia debates

What’s Next?

• Organizers are expected to file a legal challenge against the ban
• Authorities will maintain heightened security at sensitive sites in Paris
• Other European countries monitoring similar groups may adopt stricter measures
• Religious and civic leaders may engage in dialogue to address public safety while safeguarding assembly rights

Summary

France’s Interior Ministry and Paris Police have canceled the 40th Annual Meeting of Muslims of France due to heightened terrorism and public order risks.

While the decision has drawn praise from some religious figures, organizers are planning legal action.

This move aligns with broader European and U.S. efforts to monitor and restrict Muslim Brotherhood activities.

Key Takeaways

• 40th annual Muslims of France meeting canceled amid terror threats
• Paris authorities cite heightened security risks after foiled bomb plot
• Organizers intend to challenge the ban legally
• Imam Hassen Chalghoumi applauds government for prioritizing safety
• Growing international measures against the Muslim Brotherhood inform France’s actions
• Cancellation underscores tensions between public safety and rights to assembly and religious freedom