Rights Group Warns of Rising Threats Against Mosques in the Netherlands

Rights Group Warns of Rising Threats Against Mosques in the Netherlands
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The global nonviolence organization FreeMuslim has warned of what it described as a serious escalation in threats targeting Muslims in the Netherlands, following reports that several mosques received threatening letters containing substances resembling blood and messages inciting violence. The group called for urgent official action and responsible leadership to address the situation.

In a statement, the organization said the incidents should not be treated as isolated or symbolic acts, but as direct threats to religious freedom and social cohesion. It cited reports from Dutch Islamic organizations and international media indicating that at least eight mosques across the country had been targeted, raising concerns about the safety of Muslim communities.

According to testimonies from local Muslims, the threats affected mosques in major cities including Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Arnhem, Tilburg, and The Hague. The letters reportedly contained hate speech, offensive images, and explicitly anti-Islam messages. The organization stressed that mosques serve not only as places of worship but also as vital community and educational centers.

The group linked the incidents in the Netherlands to a broader rise in Islamophobia across Europe and other Western countries. It pointed to increased attacks on mosques in the United Kingdom, a sharp rise in anti-Muslim incidents in Australia, and growing gender-based targeting, particularly against visibly Muslim women.

At the same time, FreeMuslim emphasized that Muslim communities continue to demonstrate commitment to peace and public safety. It referenced instances in which Muslims have intervened to help others during emergencies, highlighting values of compassion and solidarity that contradict narratives promoted by hate-driven rhetoric.

The organization urged Dutch authorities to take immediate steps, including strengthening security around mosques, launching swift investigations into hate-motivated threats, and sending clear messages reassuring Muslim communities that their safety is a national priority. It also called for comprehensive strategies to counter Islamophobia through education, accountability, and rejection of hate speech normalization.