Mosques in Hanover Defaced in Hate-Related Incident, German Police Report Increase in Mosque Attacks

Mosques in Hanover Defaced in Hate-Related Incident, German Police Report Increase in Mosque Attacks
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Two mosques in Hanover, Germany were vandalised with provocative graffiti, authorities and local media reported, reflecting a broader rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes across the country.

According to Anadolu Agency, unidentified individuals spray-painted slogans associated with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the exterior walls of mosques operated by Turkish Muslim organisations, including the Ayasofya association and a Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs affiliate. Police are investigating the incident and have not yet identified suspects. Officials and community leaders have condemned the act and called for a swift investigation and enhanced security measures.

Ibrahim Kidik, chairman of one affected mosque association, said worshippers were shocked to find the graffiti and urged authorities to determine whether the attack was intended as provocation or motivated by other factors. The Turkish consulate in Hanover also pressed German police to step up protection for mosques and community centres.

According to Daily Sabah, federal crime statistics show a notable increase in hate crimes targeting Muslim communities in Germany this year, including 930 Islamophobic incidents, with 31 attacks on mosques recorded in the first nine months, signalling a continuing threat to religious harmony and public safety.

The Hanover mosque defacement comes amid wider concerns over rising anti-Muslim sentiment and hate-related offences in Germany, prompting calls for stronger legal and community responses.