Police launch probe after pig heads thrown outside several mosques in Paris

In a disturbing series of incidents, pig heads were found outside at least two mosques in Paris and its surrounding suburbs, prompting police to warn that more such attacks could occur.

In Islam, pork is considered haram (forbidden), and authorities noted that several of the pig heads had French President Emmanuel Macron’s name written on them in blue ink.

According to AFP, Paris police chief, Laurent Nunez, confirmed the shocking discovery on Tuesday. Nunez said that authorities cannot rule out similar incidents at other locations.

The police launched an investigation into possible hate crimes motivated by racial or religious bias, describing the acts as “reprehensible.”

Nunez suggested that the attacks might be linked to previous incidents suspected of foreign interference but emphasised that investigators are exercising “utmost caution.”

Earlier this June, three Serbian nationals were charged in connection with vandalism at Jewish sites, an act investigators suspect may have involved Russian influence.

France is home to the largest Muslim population in the European Union and, after Israel and the United States, one of the largest Jewish populations globally.

According to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism across Europe have surged since the Gaza war began in October 2023.

The French Interior Ministry reported a 75% increase in anti-Muslim incidents between January and May 2025, with attacks on individuals tripling during the same period.