Satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo has joined a campaign of hatred waged by politicians and media circles in against Student Union Leader at Paris’ Sorbonne University, Maryam Pougetoux, who appeared on television wearing a headscarf.
The magazine published a provocative cartoon depicting Pougetoux as monkey wearing the Muslim headscarf with the caption “they chose me to head the UNEF” (French National Student Union).
Commentators said the cartoon is the latest in the magazine’s long history of abuse against Islam and Muslims.
French Interior Minister, Gerard Collomb, stirred controversy when he criticised Pougetoux’s attire saying he was shocked to see the 19- year-old girl appear on French television, saying it is clear that young Muslims are planning to fight a cultural battle.
Meanwhile, Pougetoux defended herself in an interview, saying her headscarf has nothing to do with politics and stems from personal faith.
Maryam appeared in a documentary on French television to discuss student protests over education reforms proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron.