Rise in Islamophobic Incidents Raises Concern in Brazil

Rise in Islamophobic Incidents Raises Concern in Brazil
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A recent attack in southern Brazil has renewed concerns about a rise in Islamophobia and religiously motivated racism across the country, according to community representatives and local authorities.

The incident occurred on February 12, 2026, in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, where two Muslim women were subjected to physical and verbal abuse inside the Cataratas JL Shopping. The victims, one of Syrian origin and the other Lebanese, are members of the Arab-Muslim community in the city.

According to reports, a 33-year-old man approached the women inside the shopping center, attempted to forcibly remove the hijab of one of them, and shouted racist and religious insults targeting their clothing and beliefs. Several bystanders intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived at the scene.

The man was arrested on charges of assault and committing a racist act. Police said the suspect has a prior record involving discriminatory behavior and disruptions of religious ceremonies.

In a statement, the management of the shopping center condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable, and said it had followed established security protocols by detaining the suspect and immediately notifying law enforcement authorities.

Data cited by IQNA indicate that nearly 60 percent of Muslims in Brazil report having experienced some form of religious intolerance, with women who wear the hijab identified as particularly vulnerable to harassment and abuse.

Brazil’s 1988 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equality before the law. In addition, Law No. 9,459 of 1997 criminalizes discrimination based on religion, race, or nationality. Despite these legal protections, Muslim organizations and human rights advocates continue to call for stronger enforcement and public awareness efforts to counter growing manifestations of Islamophobia in the country.