Mosque desecrated in France’s LimogesSeptember 12, 2012 - 19:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Vandals have desecrated a mosque in the center of France by smearing human faeces on its doors, rfi.fr reports. The Interior Minister, Manuel Valls, says the incident happened in the city of Limoges sometime between Tuesday, Sept 11 night and early Wednesday morning. “This attack is a grave assault on the dignity of Muslims and is shocking for every citizen who upholds the values of respect and tolerance,” Valls says in a statement. The attack came a month after two pigs heads were deposited at the entrance of a mosque in Montauban, in the south of France. It also happened on the same night that protesters attacked the American embassies in Egypt and Libya over a U.S.-made film said to insult the Prophet Mohammed. The U.S. ambassador to Libya was killed in the attack in the eastern city of Benghazi, but there has been no indication that the desecration at Limoges was linked to the unrest over the film. In the past, vandals have also sprayed graffiti on the mosque's doors. France is home to at least four million Muslims, forming the largest Islamic community in Europe. French Muslim leaders say incidents of Islamaphobia are on the rise against a background of confrontation with the authorities. Many Muslims have been angered by legislation banning women from wearing full veils in public. This year's French elections were also marked by debate over the use of halal methods of animal slaughter. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |