Clergy and Parishioners Threatened with severe Aggression
Priests and parishioners at Saint-Joseph Church in Creil were subjected to death threats, attempted arson, and verbal intimidation by drug traffickers operating near the parish.
In December 2024, Saint-Joseph Church in Creil, France—located in a designated “quartier de reconquête républicaine”—was the site of escalating tensions between clergy and drug dealers operating a nearby trafficking point. Four priests residing at the presbytery, along with seminarians and parishioners, reported threats, insults, and intimidation, including a vehicle fire attempt and verbal death threats.
On December 8, police responded to disturbances outside the church, where suspects allegedly threatened to burn the building and dismissed its religious significance, stating it “didn’t matter” because they were Muslim. Two individuals, Ahmed B. (21) and Saidou K. (19), were arrested and sentenced to prison terms with restrictions on returning to Creil. A third masked individual was also detained near the presbytery. Local officials confirmed ongoing surveillance and law enforcement coordination to address the situation.
Source: Valeurs Actuelles