Mosque in Belgium’s Antwerp Province Vandalized with Hate Messages and Swastikas
Mosque in Belgium’s Antwerp Province Vandalized with Hate Messages and Swastikas
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Muslim community members in Belgium’s Antwerp province have expressed shock after a mosque was vandalized with hate symbols and offensive messages.
The Tawfieq Mosque in Schelle was targeted in an overnight attack, with swastikas and hateful slogans painted on the building’s doors and windows, while dog faeces were reportedly left at the entrance. The damage was discovered by mosque board members on Friday morning, according to Belgian public broadcaster VRT.
Mosque officials said they were deeply disturbed by the incident and documented the vandalism before cleaning the premises ahead of Friday prayers. A formal complaint was submitted to police against unidentified perpetrators.
The attack has raised concerns among local Muslim communities about the spread of religious hatred and intolerance. Authorities are investigating the incident and have not announced any arrests.
Belgium has laws prohibiting incitement to hatred and discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or other protected grounds. Muslim organizations and community representatives have repeatedly called for stronger measures to address hate crimes and protect places of worship.
The vandalism comes amid broader European concerns over rising incidents of Islamophobia and attacks targeting religious institutions, with mosques in several countries reporting acts of intimidation, property damage, and hate-driven incidents in recent years.
