French media and Miviludes are contributing to the creation of a fearful environment for religious minorities

The Miviludes (Mission  interministérielle de vigilance et de lutte contre les dérives sectaires) is the country’s  main institution for the fight against sectarian risks. Established in 2002, its mission is to watch  and combat what it considers to be groups that pose a risk to public order or individual freedoms.  Nonetheless, over the years Miviludes has come under increasing scrutiny for the lack of transparency, the  sensationalist rhetoric and the questionable methodologies. Also, its relationship with the media is rather close which has created  a feedback loop that amplifies the public fears and stigmatizes religious minorities.