April 13, 2025 | 08:29 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The coordinator of the European Commission on combating anti-Muslim hatred, Marion Lalisse, stated that racism and Islamophobia have been on the rise in several European countries. “We know that since the 7th of October (2023), in particular, anti-Muslim hate crime has increased, for instance, by 140% in Germany,” Marion Lalisse told Anadolu during Turkey’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Lalisse referred to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which was immediately followed by more than a year of genocidal war on Gaza. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave, leaving most of Gaza in ruins.
“Obviously, you can have views about religions, about politics, but you cannot incite to hatred against a group of individuals who are fully parts of Europe, integral components of our society," she said.
Unfortunately, Lalisse said, there has been a normalization of anti-Muslim narratives in Europe. Narratives in the media and social media are no longer just words. “We need to have more diversity among journalists, also in the management of media, not only in the journalists themselves, but in the executive boards to make sure that there is a coverage reflecting the vast majority of Muslims,” she explained.
“Definitely, those acts are very detrimental to Europe, and they don't reflect our values, the values on which the EU was built,” she said.
Lalisse expressed her happiness in seeing some member states take action to combat xenophobia and racism. She mentioned Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands among them.
“We are happy to see that they (these countries) implement our framework decision on combating xenophobia and racism, including religious intolerance,” she added.
Last month, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned that the trend of anti-Muslim sentiment is on the rise globally. Guterres urged online technology platforms to curb hate speech and abuse.
Guterres' video message was delivered ahead of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Human rights groups worldwide and the United Nations have noted an increase in Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, and anti-Semitism. Anti-Muslim sentiment has increased since October 7, 2023.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Muslim bigotry. From racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship,” the UN chief said in a video post on X, as quoted from Al-Jazeera. He did not mention specific countries or governments.
“Online platforms must curb hate speech and harassment. And we must all speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination,” he added.
Editor’s Choice: U.S. Anti-Muslim Incidents Rose About 70% in First Half of 2024 Amid Gaza War
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Prabowo and El-Sisi Address Gaza Crisis in Cairo Meeting
2 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with President of the Arab Republic Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the Al Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.
Today's Top 3 News: Coolest Neighborhoods in the World, IPB Ready to Welcome Students from Gaza
2 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesian University IPB Ready to Welcome Students from Gaza
23 jam lalu
IPB is ready to accept students from Gaza in response to President Prabowo's commitment to evacuate 1,000 Gazans to Indonesia.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey Reject Gaza Evacuation Plan
1 hari lalu
Both Saudi Arabia and Turkey have expressed a unified stance in rejecting any plans to evacuate residents from Gaza.
Prabowo Clarifies Gaza Refugee Evacuation Plan: 'Not Relocation'
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo will discuss the evacuation mechanism for Gaza refugees with Palestinian leaders.
Prabowo's Cairo Visit: Engages with Diaspora, Holds Talks with President El-Sisi
1 hari lalu
Prabowo will consult and discuss with President El-Sisi regarding geopolitics in the region, about Gaza, and other important issues
Prabowo Set to Discuss Gaza Evacuation Plan in Middle East Talks
1 hari lalu
Prabowo stated that the idea of evacuating Gaza refugees is just an offer from the government to help the humanitarian issues faced by Gazans.
Greenpeace UK Stains U.S. Embassy Pool Red in Protest of U.S. Support for Israel
2 hari lalu
Activists from Greenpeace UK staged a protest against the United States government's support for Israel in the Gaza genocide by pouring 300 liters of blood-red paint into the pool at the US Embassy in London.
EU Welcomes Trump's Tariff Halt
2 hari lalu
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily halt the imposition of tariffs.
Gov't: Evacuation of Gazans to Indonesia Not Permanent
2 hari lalu
Indonesian Foreign Minister stated the relocation of Gaza residents to Indonesia is not permanent. They will return to Gaza when the situation improves.
