At least nine pig heads were discovered outside various mosques in Paris region on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 and caused widespread outrage from French officials and community leaders. Authorities believe these incidents are part of coordinated Russian intelligence services effort to destabilize France. [The Times].
Pig Heads Revealed
The discovery of pig heads was reported across Paris and its suburbs, such as Montreuil. For example, one was found placed inside a suitcase outside a mosque while others featured blue spray-painted names of Macron which lead authorities to suspect an attempt at provocation. The Times reports on this development.
Suspected Russian Involvement in U.K. Chemical Spill
French authorities suspect these acts could be part of an orchestrated campaign by Russia’s GRU military intelligence service to sow division and unrest across France. Similar provocations have taken place before, such as placing coffins near the Eiffel Tower or spraying blue Stars of David over Paris streets at night in order to sow discord; officials have noted these actions typically happen late at night with intent of sowing discord. According to The Times newspaper.
Official Reactions
Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez denounced the incidents as “despicable acts” and assured the public that every effort would be made to identify their perpetrators. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called their actions outrageous and unacceptable while emphasizing Muslims must practice their faith peacefully here in France. Primari Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed solidarity with her Muslim constituents by condemning these racist acts while promising legal action to be taken. – CBS News
Chems-Eddine Hafiz, Rector of Paris Grand Mosque, strongly condemned these incidents as Islamophobic acts and an alarming sign of rising anti-Muslim sentiment across France. He called for national solidarity and awareness raising initiatives to counteract such dangerous trends (Le Monde.fr).
Investigation Now Underway
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into these incidents, specifically looking into charges of incitement to hatred aggravated by discrimination. Authorities do not rule out foreign meddling and caution the public to stay vigilant as reactions.