News Agencies – August 30, 2011
In waiting for the construction of the Institut des cultures d’islam (ICI or Institute of Islamic Cultures) that should be partially complete by January 2013, practicing Muslims in Paris’ 18th district continue to pray in the streets. This practice has engendered great debate. National Front leader Marine Le Pen has called these gatherings an “occupation” while Interior Minister Claude Guéant has sought to move the prayers to empty barracks in Clingancourt (which could accommodate 2,700 people) starting September 16th.
However, not everyone is in agreement about this plan, including imams at two mosques in Barbès where outdoor prayer takes place.
