Increasing hostility and hatred against Muslims in Europe

Increasing hatred against Islam and acts of violence against Muslims in various European countries have worried many leaders of the countries of the continent about the results of such behavior.

Farda Ataman, the federal government's commissioner to combat racism in Germany, has warned about the great racial discrimination against Muslims and stressed that hostility against Muslims has reached the level where there is a need to take action. Ataman has also called for a "comprehensive strategy against religious discrimination". The official of the German federal government has said in relation to the issue that the strategy to combat religious discrimination should include preventing the issue and increasing awareness, as well as increasing protection against discrimination against Muslims.

According to the results of a new study conducted by the European Organization for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on discrimination against Muslims in the European Union, Muslims in Germany have experienced the greatest racial discrimination after their counterparts in Austria.

Germany is one of the countries in Europe that has the largest number of Muslims, but despite all the slogans of European countries about the existence of freedom of worship and expression, the Muslims of that country are facing pressure, discrimination, pain and great violence. The situation has increased further after the Al-Aqsa Hurricane operation of October 7, 2023 when the Hamas Movement attacked southern Israel.

Almaz Tefra, a researcher on racism for Human Rights Watch, pointed out that more than five million Muslims live in Germany, but they face discrimination and racism in their daily lives. Tefra said, "for several years, Muslims in Germany have been facing discrimination, hatred and sometimes acts of violence in their daily lives."

According to the statistics of the Criminal Police of the Federal Government of Germany, since the beginning of this year until now, there have been more than 400 acts of hate against asylum seekers and more than 500 incidents of crime against asylum seekers and immigrants; most of which were provocations by right-wing extremists.

In relation to this issue, not long ago, human rights organizations warned about the doubling of crimes and incidents against Muslims and explained that the neglect of German leaders on the issue is worrying. The organization CLAIM, known as the official institution in Germany that monitors the spread of fear about Islam and hatred against Muslims, has reported a 114 percent increase in hate crimes against Muslims in the country.

But not only in Germany, but even in other European countries, the situation has become more difficult for Muslims. Sirpa Raoti, director of the European Union's Organization for Fundamental Rights, says in this regard: "We are witnessing an alarming increase in racist and prejudiced behavior against Muslims in Europe. In fact, European countries have made it difficult for The right-wing parties in power in some European countries, including Germany and Austria, are one of the main reasons for increasing discrimination and oppression against Muslims.

The extreme right-wing political parties in Europe have always had positions against Muslims, and in recent years, they have practically confronted Muslims in various political and social fields.

Attacks on mosques and religious centers of Muslims, harassing Muslims who wear Islamic clothing, and inequality in employment and education are living examples of the pressures facing Muslims in European countries. This situation has been increasing, and due to the increasing strength of the right-wing parties in Europe, as well as the continuation of the war started by Israel against the Gaza Strip, this situation has become increasingly hot.

Sirpa Raoti, Director of the Organization for Fundamental Rights of the European Union (EU) has said: "We are witnessing an alarming increase in racist behavior and prejudice against Muslims in Europe. This issue has become stronger following the outbreak of conflicts in West Asia and aggravated by the inhumane and anti-Islamic statements of some people across Europe".

Despite all these signs, it seems, racism and even violence against Muslims will continue in Europe until the leaders of the countries of the continent take concrete and practical measures to prevent the politics of spreading hatred against Muslims in the continent.