Islamophobia in Berlin Sees Sharp Rise, New Report Finds
A new report by the Alliance Against Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate (CLAIM) has revealed a significant increase in anti-Muslim incidents in Berlin, with recorded cases rising by nearly 70% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The organization documented 644 instances of anti-Muslim hostility in the German capital, encompassing a range of actions such as verbal abuse, threats, and systemic discrimination in institutions including schools, workplaces, and housing.
“This new annual report paints an alarming picture for our city,” said CLAIM co-director Rima Hanano during a press conference in Berlin, Daily Sabah reported on Wednesday. “There are now almost two anti-Muslim incidents occurring every day in Berlin.”
Read More:
Hanano emphasized that Muslim women were disproportionately impacted, representing around 64% of cases in which the gender of the victim was identified. According to the report, many of these women were accompanied by children at the time of the incidents.
CLAIM noted that the actual number of cases is likely higher than reported figures, citing that many individuals do not come forward due to fear of retaliation or mistrust of official authorities.
The report links the spike in Islamophobic incidents to the aftermath of the war between the Israeli regime and resistance forces in Gaza. Hanano drew comparisons to previous surges in anti-Muslim sentiment that followed terrorist attacks in Germany, stating: “These events tend to trigger a surge in anti-Muslim racism, amplified by political and media narratives that often portray Muslims as a security threat.”
Read More:
She warned that such narratives can foster a climate of suspicion and embolden individuals to act on prejudice. “It is particularly disturbing that even children and teenagers are now facing verbal and physical assaults in public spaces,” Hanano said.
Germany, home to over 84 million people, has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe after France. Of the nearly 5 million Muslims living in the country, approximately 3 million are of Turkish heritage.
Source: Agencies
