Mosque Attack in Rotterdam Raises Concern Among Muslims in Netherlands

Mosque Attack in Rotterdam Raises Concern Among Muslims in Netherlands
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A mosque in the Dutch city of Rotterdam was attacked by a group of unidentified people, raising renewed concern among Muslims over the safety of worshippers and Islamic places of worship in the Netherlands.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Islamic Foundation Netherlands said the Mevlana Mosque was vandalized overnight by six people. A mosaic wall was damaged, beer bottles were thrown at the building, and the attackers desecrated the facade.

Dutch broadcaster NOS also reported that people were inside the mosque at the time of the incident. The foundation said those present heard aggressive shouting and loud noises and felt seriously threatened.

ISN said mosque officials repeatedly called police, but officers arrived only after the attackers had left. Dutch police confirmed they did not immediately attend the scene, saying the threat level changed once the suspects were reported to have left in a taxi. Police later came to the mosque to take a report, and said the suspects were clearly visible on camera, though no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.

Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten condemned the attack and called on witnesses to assist the investigation. ISN said the incident added to growing feelings of insecurity among Muslims, especially amid repeated attacks and intimidation targeting mosques in the country. Earlier in April, ISN also reported serious vandalism at the Sultan Ahmet Mosque in Zaandam, saying such incidents reflected a wider pattern of anti-Muslim hostility.