The Brotherhood’s Claw Resurfaces in France… What Is Baraka City About?

12th July 2025

3 minutes read

The Brotherhood’s Claw Resurfaces in France… What Is Baraka City About?

What was once a charitable facade has re-emerged in a critical spotlight, leading to the ban of Baraka City and the initiation of asset-freezing proceedings against its leader—a figure closely linked to conservative Muslim networks.

Baraka City back in the spotlight

Banned in France for years, Baraka City is now again in the spotlight, this time linked to asset-freezing measures targeting its president. The move is part of a broader French government campaign against individuals and organizations associated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

As reported by Libération, at least a dozen entities—including publishing houses and individuals—have had their assets frozen since early June.

Idriss Sehaimi, central figure

Among those targeted is Idriss Sehaimi, founder of Baraka City and former right-hand man of Tariq Ramadan in France—grandson of the Brotherhood’s founder. Sehaimi relocated to the UK following the organization’s ban and also founded the website “Qoubab Wa Manaadin” (“Domes and Minarets”).

From charity to suspicion

Initially based in Corbeil-Essonnes, France, Baraka City began in 2008 with Ramadan fundraising drives and was officially established in 2011. It quickly expanded its humanitarian efforts abroad—to Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia—launching campaigns like “Water is Life” in Togo and relief convoys to Syria, while also supporting refugees in France.

Rising suspicion and legal bans

The association’s bank accounts were shut in 2014, and it faced a raid in 2015 over terrorist financing concerns. A further investigation was launched in 2017 on similar grounds. In 2020, the French government officially dissolved it for “radical Islamist discourse.”

Renewed legal action

In January, Idriss Sehaimi was caught driving a vehicle registered to the defunct organization, resulting in a conviction for “misuse of trust” and a financial penalty.

As part of a broader crackdown on radical islamism, France has begun freezing the assets of individuals linked to the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafists, including Sehaimi.

A controversial mix of aid and ideology

Baraka City built significant influence among young Muslims in France by blending humanitarian aid with conservative religious messaging. Islamologist Bernard Godard described it as a hybrid “socially activist Islamic organization” (Le Figaro).

Funding and global reach

Active in over 22 countries, Baraka City raised around €16 million via private donations since 2013. It received informal support from public figures in sports and music. Its leader Sehaimi gained visibility after appearing on Canal+’s Le Supplément in 2016, where he evaded direct condemnation of ISIS, triggering a media and political backlash.

Continued activism and online presence

Since moving to the UK, Sehaimi remains active on Twitter, campaigning for causes like #FreeMoussa and criticizing “French Islamophobia.” The organization deployed emotionally charged media and professional social-media strategies to engage their young audience.

Asset freeze signals new front lines

While not conclusively linked to terrorist acts, Baraka City sustains an ideological threat in the eyes of French authorities. The asset-freezing of Sehaimi represents the latest phase in France’s broader campaign against the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence.