The principal of a French school in Qatar hurriedly left his job and the country in a deal struck by diplomats after he was accused of having an anti-Muslim attitude and told he faced imprisonment. Hafid Adnani, born in Algeria but not a practising Muslim, left Doha without his wife and daughters just before the new school year in early September. They followed a month later. As head of the Lycée Bonaparte, he had banned female pupils from wearing Muslim headwear and resisted pressure on foreign schools from authorities to introduce Islamic studies.
In each instance, he cited the law as it would apply in France. Adnani appears to believe he was acting in accordance with his statutory duties, though French foreign ministry officials say such a school overseas commands no diplomatic status and is subject to local law.
Reports say Adnani was advised by FranceÂ’s ambassador to Doha to leave the country as soon as possible because his security could not be guaranteed.
But the story of Mr Adnani’s sudden exit is blurred. Government officials in Paris say it had nothing to do with France’s official policies but arose from a dispute with a colleague. The principal himself has referred to the situation as “Kafka-esque and sad” in a rare public comment, having been advised by French authorities not to say anything.