Muslim Communities Face Burial Barriers in Europe and Rising Islamophobia in Australia

Muslim Communities Face Burial Barriers in Europe and Rising Islamophobia in Australia
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Muslim communities in different parts of the world are facing growing challenges to their religious rights and personal safety, highlighting persistent issues of marginalization and Islamophobia in both Europe and Australia.

In the Czech Republic, Muslims continue to struggle to conduct Islamic funerals in accordance with their religious traditions. According to reports cited by Al Jazeera, the country’s Muslim population of nearly 50,000 lacks independent Islamic cemeteries in major cities, including Prague. As a result, families are forced to rely on limited sections within public cemeteries. Community representatives say repeated attempts to establish dedicated burial grounds have failed due to administrative barriers and municipal opposition. Czech authorities maintain that official recognition of Muslims as a religious minority—requiring at least 10,000 signatures—is a prerequisite for creating independent cemeteries, a move previously rejected by parliament. Muslim leaders say the situation reflects a broader struggle for recognition and equal religious rights.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Muslim communities report a sharp rise in Islamophobic incidents following the December 14 antisemitic terror attack in Bondi. Mosques in New South Wales and Victoria have increased security measures, with some community members staying overnight to prevent vandalism. The Australian National Imams Council said reports of anti-Muslim hate incidents have risen by nearly 200 percent since the attack, including vandalism, threats, and abuse targeting mosques, Islamic schools, and individuals—particularly women wearing hijab.

Australian officials, including NSW Premier Chris Minns and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, have condemned the attacks, stressing that racism and hate speech will not be tolerated. Muslim organizations have also strongly denounced the Bondi attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, while warning against collective blame and retaliation.