France has always prided itself on its commitment to secularism and religious freedom, as outlined in the principle of laïcité. But an examination of the country’s treatment of religious groups associated with Hinduism and yoga practices reveals disturbing patterns of intolerance and bigotry.
Reports[i] A report by CAP LC (Coordination of Associations and Organizations for Freedom of Conscience) has revealed the worrying attitude France has towards these practices. Titled “Spirituality, Yoga and France: Finding the Balance”, the report outlines how the government has sought to marginalise and suppress the practice of yoga and other Hindu-inspired movements.
One of the cases highlighted in the report concerns Neelam Makhija.[ii]was wrongly deemed a “guru” and detained for two months without cause. This unjust case highlights the possible repercussions that may result from France’s efforts to regulate and limit the expression of spiritual beliefs that deviate from the norm. The CAP LC report also highlights the worrying actions taken by an anti-sectarian organization, UNADFI (National Union of Associations for the Defense of the Family and Individual), which has publicly warned against practicing yoga on International Yoga Day.[iii] This is an event initiated by the Prime Minister to celebrate an ancient tradition. This kind of rhetoric and attempts to discourage people from taking part in yoga activities demonstrate a deep-rooted distrust and hostility towards these spiritual practices.
The impact of this stigma goes beyond yoga practitioners. In a statement released by CAP LC regarding Cyril Adam,[iv]Cases of citizens who have been detained and interrogated for engaging in yoga or Hindu-inspired practices speak to the broader impact on the justice system and law enforcement.
According to the CAP LC report, the official response to these movements has resulted in law enforcement and judicial officials often acting based on prejudice and misinformation rather than solid evidence, and has resulted in the distortion of legal principles.
The situation of Cyril Adam, who was detained and interrogated on unfounded suspicion, reveals how state bias against such minority groups can affect the criminal justice system.
The difficulties faced by the Yoga Mass school in France show how authorities are trying to suppress these practices.[v] Police have reportedly raided schools and ill-treated and detained believers without justification, a violation of their fundamental rights to practice religion and associate freely. These incidents highlight a trend of intolerance and prejudice that goes beyond the specific cases mentioned in the various reports.
The existence of organisations like Mivirdes (International Mission for Vigilance and Combat against Deviance) and UNADFI, which contribute to promoting the narrative of “sectarian deviance”, shows that Francis’ position on these spiritual beliefs is deeply influenced by cultural prejudices that see them as a threat to social harmony.
According to Mivildes[vi] The idea of ”deviance” is said to be specific to France, according to members. It has been criticized by international organizations for potentially violating fundamental human rights and freedoms. The concept’s continuing influence on government policy towards Hindus and yogis has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to diversity and equal treatment under the law.
Various sources such as the CAP LC report, the Neelam Makhija case, the UNADFI statement, the Cyril Adam case and the Yoga Mass School report highlight a trend where the state appears ready to use legal and judicial means to target and oppress religious minorities who do not align with mainstream beliefs.
These developments raise questions about freedoms in France and whether the principle of laïcité is being misused to marginalize certain faiths and spiritual practices. As a country that values rights and democracy, France must address the gap between its professed ideals and the reality faced by minority religious groups, particularly those associated with Hinduism and yoga.
The international community should closely monitor the situation.[vii]Ensure that France complies with its human rights obligations. It is important that attacks and persecution of religious and spiritual groups are not ignored as a domestic issue. The fundamental rights of freedom of religion, belief and expression must be universally respected. France, like any other democratic country, must take responsibility.
[i] Translated by: HINDU GURUS Translation Committee
[ii] https://freedomofconscience.eu/neelam-makhija-wrongly-suspected-of-being-an-indian-guru-he-is-two-months-in-preventive-prison/
[iii] https://www.unadfi.org/actualites/actualites-et-communiques-de-lunadfi/communique-unadfi-2/
[iv] https://freedomofconscience.eu/oral-statement-at-the-un-human-rights-council-51st-session-arbitrary-detention-the-case-of-cyrille-adam/
2022 General Assembly
[v] https://freedomofconscience.eu/jai-ete-victime-dune-descente-de-police-et-jai-ete-detenu-abusivement-pendant-deux-jours-et-deux-nuits/
FRANCE: Raids de police dans des centres de yoga roumains : les faits à Villiers s/Marne (I)
FRANCE: Raids de police dans des centres de yoga roumains (II)
[vi] https://freedomofconscience.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Miviludes-sectes-france.pdf
[vii] https://bitterwinter.org/uscirf-warns-against-new-french-anti-cult-draft-law/
