PARIS (ChurchMilitant.com) – In the wake of the November 13 Paris terrorist attacks that claimed more than 130 lives, the French government is ordering up to 160 mosques to be shut down in the coming months. Raids have revealed large stashes of weapons and ammunition.

The government’s emergency powers grant it the right to take this extraordinary measure, and mosques that are unlicensed or have a history of “preaching hatred” are being singled out.

One of France’s chief imams, Hassan El Alaoui, said last Wednesday, “According to official figures and our discussions with the interior ministry, between 100 and 160 more mosques will be closed because they are run illegally without proper licenses, they preach hatred, or use takfiri speech.” Takfiri speech involves sectarian slurs leveled by one Muslim against fellow Muslims.

“This kind of speech shouldn’t even be allowed in Islamic countries, let alone secure countries like France,” El Alaoui said.