France shutters 21 mosques accused of not respecting 'separatism' laws

At least 21 mosques have been closed in France in recent months, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, adding that several more Muslim places of worship were also being reviewed.

The closures are a continuation of plans by the French government to tackle what it sees as "Islamist separatism".

Darmanin, who appeared on the channel LCI on Sunday, said that of 99 mosques checked because they were suspected of such "separatism", 21 had been shut down, with another six to be shut down soon.

He said another 36 mosques have accepted the French government's request that they cut ties with imams France considers "dangerous" or by no longer accepting foreign funding, among other actions.

He added that the majority of Muslims in France "pose no problems".

The closures come after a controversial bill was passed by the French Senate in July, making amendments to the constitution. 

The 'Supporting Republican Principles Bill' - also known as the 'separation bill' - tightens the rules regarding when homeschooling is permitted, requires mosques to register as places of worship, and also requires foreign funding over €10,000 to be declared to authorities. 

The closing of mosques has become easier under the new amendments, as French authorities claim they want to "liberate Islam in France from foreign influences."

Some French politicians have accused mosques in the country of preaching hate and radicalising worshippers.

Some Muslim organisations have blasted the vagueness of the term "separatism", arguing that the law was too vague and has allowed the state to arbitrarily close mosques and dissolve Muslim associations.