Protest Leaders Remind Rioters To Take Breaks To Pray Toward Mecca

Devastating riots across France paused briefly this morning, and once this afternoon, for the Islamic call to prayer. It is expected to pause again this evening.

French citizens were grateful for the "usually annoying" Islamic call to prayer, or Adhan, that rang out from speakers across their traditional homeland. The sound appeared to quell the riots in an instant — for about five minutes.

"Whew, I guess it's all over," said one Frenchman who was later seen fleeing for his life after a band of Muslims began throwing bricks at him.

Witnesses claimed rioters became frustrated as chanting rang out, urging them to pray. "Ugh, prayer time. It's prayer time, everybody! Let's pray!" said one unidentified rioter.

Shopkeepers took advantage of the brief reprieve to file complaints with local police departments about the rioting taking place. An exchange between one citizen and an officer caught on mobile phone has since gone viral. Local man Pierre Wiloux complained, "Monsieur l'agent, Muslims broke into my baguette shop and are burning cars in the road!" To which the officer replied, "Ooo, wish you hadn't said Muslim. We can arrest rioters, but we can't arrest Muslims. It's the law."

Meanwhile, journalists on the ground reported how civil the rioters appeared for stopping briefly to pray for success in their riots. "Wow, such a beautiful religion," said on-air talent Vivia Amelique.

At publishing time, riots had once again resumed. Bystanders are currently waiting for the evening call to prayer to get to safety.