Protesters argued Mr Macron's response fuelled division. The event also aimed to show support to the French community in Canberra.

Following Thursday's knife attack in Nice Mr Macron said France was under attack "over our values, for our taste for freedom, for the ability on our soil to have freedom of belief".

The incident followed the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty earlier this month.

France has lifted its security to the highest level in response. Muslim-majority countries such as Turkey and Bangladesh have launched boycotts against France, in opposition to Mr Macron's rhetoric.

An open letter written by protest organisers said the perpetrators of recent terror attacks did not represent Islam or Muslims.

"We condemn this perpetrator and his evil acts, and other ideological and political extremists such as those from Charlie Hebdo who are fanning the fire of hate by insulting our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)," the letter said.

"We say to them 'Freedom without responsibility is a chaos'.

"While we support the French people at these difficult times we would appeal to the consciousness of the French President Emmanuel Macron, to refrain from further provocative 'dog whistle politics'.

"This political rhetoric is so dangerous and inflammatory."

Event organiser Emad Soliman said he wanted Mr Macron to respect the beliefs of Muslims.

"Respect us and respect our icons, that's all we need. Is that too much?" he said.

Mr Soliman said it was important for the Muslim community to stand in solidarity with France, following the support Muslims received after the Christchurch massacre.

"We [want] the embassy to come and address their point-of-view and accept our condolences," he said.

Protester Mohammed Yunus said tragedies such as the Nice attack should bring faith communities together.

"Christians, Muslims, Jews, we are all brothers in faith," Mr Yunus said. "We can agree to disagree but don't attack any religion."