France to bar entry to radical Islamists

The French government will bar entry to two radical Islamic activists if they accept an invitation extended by a French Muslim organization, an aide to President Sarkozy said on Sunday.

Henri Guaino said the government would ban the entry of Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi and Mohammed al-Masri if they accept an invitation to attend a Union of French Islamic Organizations event next week.

“The French government does not want any extremist preachers entering its territory,” Guaino told French Radio J.

Although al-Qaradawi holds a diplomatic passport, Guaino said France will take measures to prevent his entry.

The government’s announcement follows a declaration by Sarkozy to crack down on radical Islam in the wake of a spate of al-Qaeda-inspired shootings in Toulouse by Mohamed Merah.

Al-Qaradawi is a widely respected Egyptian Sunni preacher who broadcasts a popular show entitled “Shariah and Life” on Al-Jazeera. Al-Masri, Israel Radio reported, is another Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood activist.