The challenges of being a Muslim in a country with a colonial past and terrorist attacks carried out in Islam's name are profound and personal. Following the Charlie Hebdo massacre in 2015, a personal invite to comment on air became a moment of distress when asked to dissociate from the attackers. While receiving support, the situation highlighted the plight of other French Muslims, unable to voice their positions. Later, during a TV debate, accusations of inciting hatred were directed at a Black, Muslim woman, underscoring the prejudiced perceptions faced by Muslim individuals in the aftermath of violence.
In January 2015, I was profoundly shocked by the massacre of the Charlie Hebdo journalists. As the country mourned, I was invited by a major radio station to comment, but first asked to dissociate myself from the attackers.
I was treated as if I was under suspicion. To be tolerated on the airwaves, I had to profess my innocence, state publicly that I had nothing to do with the violence.
I was strongly defended by others on the show and received support online, but I couldn't help thinking of the millions of French Muslims who would have no microphone to defend themselves.
In a TV debate, my opponent claimed I had used my status as a Black, Muslim woman to incite hatred against Charlie Hebdo, asserting I had blood on my hands.
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