French authorities have ordered the six-month closure of a mosque in Aulnay-sous-Bois after accusing it of promoting radical Islamist ideology, glorifying terrorism, legitimizing jihad and encouraging violence. French officials said the decision was justified by the "seriousness and repeated nature" of the statements made by those preaching at the mosque. The association managing the mosque has launched an emergency legal challenge seeking to overturn the closure. He also claimed mosque officials had repeatedly requested a meeting with the prefect before the closure order was issued but were refused. "The state has a duty to intervene when religious institutions are used to spread messages that legitimize jihad, glorify martyrdom or encourage violence against others," French officials said in a statement.