Rhône Prefecture Shuts Muslim Center in Décines

The Rhône prefecture has taken decisive action by closing a Muslim center operating in the city of Décines. The facility, known as "L'école de la réussite," was situated within the same premises as the local mosque.

Authorities initiated the closure after identifying significant inconsistencies between the association's registered purpose and its actual operations. The center was found to be hosting hundreds of children during its weekly activities, far exceeding the scope of its official charter.

The prefecture of the Rhône has officially shuttered the center "L'école de la réussite." This establishment was physically located within the mosque of Décines, sharing the same facilities as the place of worship.

The administrative closure was not arbitrary but followed a review of the association's legal standing. State services conducted an audit that revealed a clear mismatch between the organization's declared activities and its real-world function.

The investigation focused on the operational scale of the center. While associations must adhere to their registered statutes, this particular entity was found to be operating outside its legal boundaries.

The primary discrepancy identified by authorities centered on the sheer volume of children being accommodated. L'école de la réussite was reportedly welcoming 500 children on a weekly basis.

These gatherings took place specifically on Wednesdays and during weekends. The frequency and size of these sessions raised immediate questions regarding the center's compliance with its statutory obligations.

The scope of these activities suggests a structured educational or recreational program that likely required specific permits or licensing, which may not have been fully aligned with the association's original filing.

• Attendance of 500 children weekly
• Operations on Wednesdays and weekends
• Location inside the Décines mosque
• Statutory discrepancies noted

French administrative law requires associations to operate strictly within the framework of their declared statutes. The Rhône prefecture acts as the local representative of the state, tasked with ensuring compliance among all registered organizations.

When an association's activities diverge significantly from its stated purpose, prefectures possess the authority to intervene. This intervention can range from formal warnings to administrative dissolution, as seen in this case.

The closure of "L'école de la réussite" underscores the importance of transparency and regulatory adherence for all community organizations. State services are mandated to monitor these entities to ensure they function within the legal parameters established during their creation.

The sudden closure of the center leaves a gap for the 500 children who attended regularly. These facilities often serve as vital community hubs, providing supervision and activities during non-school hours.

While the administrative reasons for the closure are clear, the practical implications for local families remain significant. The loss of such a large-scale service can disrupt the weekly routines of many households in Décines.

The incident also draws attention to the relationship between religious institutions and associated social services. As mosques often host various community activities, this case highlights the scrutiny such operations face from local authorities.

The closure of L'école de la réussite serves as a precedent for regulatory enforcement in the Rhône department. It signals that state services are actively monitoring the operations of associations linked to religious sites.

For the association in question, the path forward likely involves revising its statutes to match its actual activities or ceasing operations entirely. The prefecture's decision is final unless the association successfully appeals or re-registers under a new, compliant framework.

Ultimately, this event emphasizes the balance between community service and administrative compliance. While the center provided a valuable service, adherence to legal statutes remains a non-negotiable requirement for all operating entities.