French Jihad Warning Signs Graphic Advises 'Be Wary Of Those Who Do Not Eat Baguettes'

'Be Wary Of Those Who Do Not Eat Baguettes', Informs Jihad Warning Signs Graphic

A French government infographic designed to help identify people who are at risk of becoming radicalised is being roundly mocked online.

Signs of adopting jihadist ideologies can apparently include self-isolating behaviour from friends and family, abandoning school, career or sporting activities and changing the way you dress.

The advice also suggests scrutinising suspects for changes in their eating habits – illustrated by a large blue cross through a baguette.

As the infographic made its way through twitter with the official hashtag #StopDJihadisme, one user remarked: “The government invites you to be wary of those who do not eat baguettes.”

A further user commented the infographic appeared to warn of “converted vegetarian anarchists with bohemian clothes,” while another asked: “I stopped doing sports… can I be considered a djihadiste?”

The well-intentioned advice comes in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attacks which saw 17 people lose their lives in a series of attacks across France.

But Jonathan Russell, political liaison officer at counter-extremism Quilliam Foundation told the BBC: “The general response is that people don’t like to be told how to think.

“This doesn’t mean that those doing the mocking are supportive of extremism. It’s more that because it is a centrally run campaign it lacks an element of credibility.”

The project is accompanied by a video made to dissuade potential jihadis from joining terror groups in Syria and Iraq.

Using a series of comparisons it shows the difference between the promises made by recruiters juxtaposed with the reality of life as a jihadist.

One statement reads: "They tell you, 'Sacrifice yourself alongside us and you'll be defending a noble cause.' In reality, you will discover hell on earth and will die alone, far from home."

Another adds: "They tell you, 'Join us and come help Syrian children.' In reality, you will be an accomplice in the massacre of civilians."

It also includes a toll-free number to enable the public to speak to indoctrination specialists if they have concerns about friends or family members.

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