Attacks on Mosques Undermine Democracy, Says German Muslim Leader

Amid rising hostility toward Muslims in Germany, Abdassamad El Yazidi, chairperson of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, emphasized that attacks on mosques and Muslims threaten the nation’s democracy and constitutional values, Daily Sabah reported. Speaking on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, he noted that Islamophobia has become disturbingly “acceptable” in society.

El Yazidi pointed out that Islam is the most negatively portrayed religion in the German parliament, highlighting a lack of strong objections from society against such discrimination. He expressed concern over the deteriorating state of tolerance in Germany, stating that the country is regressing into historical forms of coexistence that many hoped were left behind.

The Interior Ministry reported 1,554 criminal acts targeting Muslims and their properties last year, including 54 attacks on mosques. With nearly 5 million Muslims in Germany, including 3 million of Turkish descent, El Yazidi warned that many feel unsafe and are contemplating leaving the country.

He called for the new German government to appoint a representative for Muslim issues, urging action against the growing anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DİTİB), overseeing 858 mosques in Germany, also demands more government action to address these hostilities.