‘Alarming Surge of Hate’: Advocacy Group Blasts Racist, Neo-Nazi Graffiti on European Mosques

IQNA – Warning of a growing pattern of far-right targeting of Muslim places of worship, a US Muslim advocacy group condemned neo-Nazi and racist vandalism incidents at mosques in Sweden and the UK, calling for swift action from European authorities.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the United States’ largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, on Sunday condemned reported neo-Nazi and racist vandalism attacks targeting mosques in Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Vandals reportedly defaced a mosque in Uppsala, Sweden, with Nazi symbols and racist graffiti. In a separate incident, a mosque in the United Kingdom was also targeted with hateful graffiti.

In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:

“Acts of hate targeting houses of worship are attacks on the very foundation of religious freedom. Reports of neo-Nazi and racist vandalism targeting mosques in Sweden and the United Kingdom are deeply disturbing and reflects a broader climate of rising Islamophobia that must be addressed by political leaders and civil society.”

CAIR urged European governments to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and security of Muslim communities and of all religious minorities.

Last week, CAIR condemned anti-Muslim chants by Spanish soccer fans at a friendly match between Spain and Egypt.

Earlier this year, CAIR welcomed a report published by Spain’s Institute of Women, an agency under the Ministry of Equality, that raised concerns about discrimination against Muslim girls who wear an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, in Spanish educational institutions.

Last year, CAIR said that Islamophobia is “spinning out of control” in Europe after a Muslim woman was murdered in Germany and a mosque was burned during anti-immigrant riots in Spain.

Source: Cair.com