A 2006 opinion piece in Le Figaro regarding the nature of Islam and the prophet Muhammad resulted in Robert Redeker entering police protection and relocating to a hidden residence. This event transformed the career of the French philosopher, who previously balanced his intellectual output with positions at various academic institutions and secondary schools across France.
Academic Background
Born in 1954 at Lescure, Redeker pursued his education at the University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès and the French Civil Aviation University. He developed a career as both a writer and a philosophy teacher. His professional trajectory included teaching roles at the lycee Pardailhan, the French Civil Aviation University, and Toulouse Capitole University, establishing him within the French academic circuit before his public controversies.
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On 19 September 2006, Le Figaro published an article written by Redeker that critiqued the Qur'an and the character of Muhammad. The text characterized the Islamic prophet as a butcher of Jews and a master of hate, while contrasting him with Jesus. Le Figaro removed the piece from its database shortly after publication, and the issue was subsequently banned in Egypt and Tunisia.
Security Consequences
Following the publication, Redeker faced death threats originating from an Islamist website that circulated his home address and photograph. He required police protection for his safety. Law enforcement arrested at least one individual in connection with hate mail sent to the writer, and a young man was apprehended in Morocco regarding the threat case.
Public and Institutional Response
The response to the incident polarized opinion. In October 2006, a group of prominent French intellectuals, including Alain Finkielkraut, Bernard-Henri Lévy, and Claude Lanzmann, signed an appeal in Le Monde supporting his right to expression. Conversely, many mainstream outlets, including Le Monde, described his original article as misleading and unnecessarily insulting.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Lescure
- Citizenship: France
- Primary occupations: Philosopher, writer
- Education: University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, French Civil Aviation University
- Professional affiliations: Reporters Without Borders, ENAC Alumni
Questions readers ask
What led to the police protection of Robert Redeker?
He received specific death threats from an Islamist website that published his home address following his 2006 article on Islam in Le Figaro.
Which publications have featured his writing?
His work has appeared in Libération, Les Temps modernes, Tageblatt, Le Figaro Magazine, and Marianne.
Achievements
- Held posts at French Civil Aviation University, Toulouse Capitole University and lycee Pardailhan
