An imam who allegedly preached hatred and violence in the Paris suburbs was arrested and deported to Cairo, French Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux reported Thursday.
Ali Ibrahim El Sudani had worked in mosques in Seine-Saint-Denis, reportedly calling for a battle with the West and violence. The government termed him a "dangerous man." dpa reported.
France has deported 129 radical Islamists since 2001, including 29 imams and preachers, said Hortefeux.
"The republic respects religious freedom. But people who spread hate speech have nothing to do with religious freedom and have no place in our territory."
Sudani had been under observation for months. France has also stepped up its efforts against radical Islamists since a foiled Christmas Day bombing of an airplane over Detroit, Michigan.