French Muslim lawmaker speaks out against racist attack

Moutchou condemns racist letter denying her place in France, vows to stand against hate

PARIS (MNTV) – Naïma Moutchou, a Muslim and Moroccan member of the French National Assembly and vice-president of the Horizons party, revealed that she had received a vile racist letter targeting her Moroccan heritage. 

Sharing the handwritten note on X (formerly Twitter), Moutchou disclosed the hateful comments, which included, “You have an Arab face,” “You are destroying our country,” and “Get out quickly!” The letter also featured a photograph of her published in Paris Match.

Moutchou announced she would file a formal complaint and condemned the attack in a powerful statement. 

“What I received is not just an insult — it’s a denial of my place in this country,” she wrote. 

“I am French, of Moroccan origin, and I will never apologize for being who I am.” 

Moutchou reaffirmed her commitment to speaking out for others who face similar prejudice, stating, “I will not be silenced.”

The letter, laden with derogatory remarks about her ethnicity and religion, described her as “taking the bread of the French” and accused her of “destroying the country.”

Support for Moutchou flooded in from across the political spectrum. 

National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet denounced the attack, emphasizing, “Racism has no place in our Republic.” 

Paul Christophe, leader of the Horizons group, praised her resilience and dedication. 

Leaders on the left, including Mathilde Panot (LFI) and Jérôme Guedj (PS), also condemned the letter, with Panot calling it “disgusting.” 

Even far-right National Rally spokesperson Sébastien Chenu described the attack as “shameful.”

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim and minority leaders in France as they fight against racism and uphold their rightful place in the nation’s democratic fabric.