Italian Islamic Leader Decries “Second-Class” Status of Muslims in Europe
Imam Yahya Pallavicini, president of Italy’s COREIS Islamic organization, has voiced concerns over the systemic marginalization of Muslims in Europe, stating that they are persistently treated as “second-class citizens,” an article published on En.Apa.az reported.
He emphasized that Islamophobic rhetoric is spreading widely, particularly against the backdrop of radicalization narratives, and called for greater awareness and dialogue to counter institutional biases.
COREIS, which represents Italy’s Sunni Muslim community, has urged European governments to implement urgent reforms addressing discrimination in employment, education, and religious freedoms. Pallavicini highlighted the historical contributions of Muslim scholars to European intellectual traditions, arguing that greater recognition of Islam’s role in European history could help foster mutual understanding.
His remarks align with recent EU reports documenting rising Islamophobia, particularly in sectors such as education and housing. The issue has drawn increasing scrutiny as European governments face pressure to reassess integration policies and ensure equal rights for Muslim communities.
