Man surrenders after fatal stabbing of Muslim worshipper in French mosque

Italian authorities detain French suspect, with tensions rising over potential terror link in mosque stabbing.

A protester holds a sign reading "Justice for Aboubakar, Islamophobia kills" during a tribute to Aboubakar, the worshipper killed in a mosque at La Grand-Combe, and a demonstration against Islamophobia at Place de la République in Paris on April 27, 2025. Photo by Alain Jocard/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A suspected murderer who fatally stabbed a young Malian Muslim in a southern France mosque has surrendered to Italian authorities, drawing widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about Islamophobia and potential terrorism. Oliver Hadzovic, a 21-year-old French national, was arrested in Pistoia, Italy, on Sunday after an intense search that began following the violent attack on April 28 in the French village of La Grand-Combe. The killing has sparked fresh debate over religious hate crimes and tensions surrounding France’s largest Muslim community.

The tragic event unfolded when the suspect, after praying alongside Aboubakar Cisse, a 24-year-old Malian man, launched a brutal attack on him, stabbing the victim numerous times while filming the ordeal on his phone. Shouting hateful slurs against Islam, Hadzovic’s actions have raised alarms over the rise of anti-Muslim violence in Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the act, emphasizing that "there is no place for religious hate in France." Prime Minister François Bayrou also described the attack as an "Islamophobic" crime. The French government has been under pressure to respond effectively to the surge of such crimes, especially given the growing concerns over security in the wake of a string of similar attacks.

Hadovic, whose family has Bosnian roots, turned himself in at the Pistoia police station with a lawyer and a relative by his side. He reportedly confessed to being the perpetrator of the murder of a Muslim worshipper, stating, "I did it" in a video shared after the attack. Authorities in both France and Italy quickly coordinated efforts to ensure his extradition. French prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini highlighted the seriousness of the situation, describing the suspect as a man who "boasted about his act and intended to commit similar attacks."

The surrender came after days of intense manhunts by more than 70 police officers in southern France. "Faced with the effectiveness of the measures put in place, the suspect had no option but to hand himself in," Grini said, pointing out the thoroughness of the search. Italian officials are working with French counterparts to facilitate Hadzovic’s handover for prosecution in France.

The details surrounding the murder have fueled public anger, particularly because the suspect filmed his victim while delivering hateful remarks about Islam. In the video, Hadzovic gleefully boasted about the murder, further intensifying suspicions of terrorist motives. "I did it," he proudly declared, as he recorded Cisse's suffering. This chilling video has shocked both the local community and the wider public, adding to the tension between Muslim communities and the state.

Lawyer Mourad Battikh, who represents Cisse’s family, expressed his shock that anti-terror prosecutors had not yet been assigned to the case. Battikh described the video as an undeniable sign of terrorism, accusing the French government of applying a double standard when handling crimes related to Muslim victims.

French authorities face backlash

The murder has put pressure on French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who has taken a tough stance on immigration and Islamist violence. Despite meeting with Grini in the wake of the attack, Retailleau's decision not to visit the crime scene has drawn criticism. Local residents and politicians alike have pointed out the lack of sufficient action on addressing the growing problem of anti-Muslim violence.

Retailleau defended his position, stating that the French authorities were committed to combating all forms of segregation and violence. French government spokesperson Sophie Primas echoed this sentiment, insisting that there was no "double standard" in the treatment of different communities. Nevertheless, the outcry over the government's handling of the attack has continued to escalate, with many accusing officials of failing to adequately protect France's Muslim population.

This attack has raised broader concerns about the growing number of hate crimes and the possible links to radicalization. France, with its large Muslim population, has seen an alarming rise in religiously motivated violence in recent years, including multiple attacks on mosques. As the suspect was initially unknown to the authorities, the French public is grappling with the reality of individuals radicalized outside the radar of law enforcement.

In addition to domestic concerns, the French Muslim community has voiced increasing anxiety over the rise of Islamophobic incidents in the country. Demonstrations have erupted across France in response to the attack, with thousands participating in silent marches in La Grand-Combe and Paris. The anger has been particularly directed toward right-wing politicians, including Retailleau, who have been accused of fostering an atmosphere of intolerance.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent left-wing politician, criticized the government's response, calling out Retailleau for creating an "Islamophobic climate" in the country. Mélenchon’s comments reflect growing fears that anti-Muslim rhetoric in politics and the media is inflaming tensions.

The reaction in La Grand-Combe has been one of sorrow mixed with disbelief. On Sunday, over 1,000 people gathered for a silent march in honor of Cisse, who was killed in a place of worship. The march, from the Khadidja Mosque to the town hall, served as a poignant reminder of the rising tensions in French society.

President Macron has expressed his condolences to Cisse’s family and pledged the nation’s support to France's Muslim citizens. "Racism and hatred based on religion will never have a place in France," he stated on social media, reaffirming the government's commitment to fighting discrimination and extremism.

The road ahead for France

As investigations into the crime continue, French authorities are under mounting pressure to address the root causes of religious intolerance and violence. The international implications of the crime also call attention to the need for better cooperation between European nations in combating hate-driven extremism.

The tragic murder of Aboubakar Cisse serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rising religious intolerance and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities. As the French and Italian authorities work to bring the suspect to justice, the fear of further violence looms over the region, prompting calls for greater solidarity and understanding in the face of religious hatred.