Impressive report ‘Islam’ in Germany

The nine-member “Independent Anti-Muslim Expert Group” appointed by former Interior Minister Horst Seehofer in 2020 prepared a report on anti-Muslim hostility in the country.

The report was made public after it was delivered to the Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Juliane Seifert.

The group investigated anti-Muslim hatred in German society based on scientific research, police crime statistics, documents from anti-discrimination agencies, counseling centers and non-governmental organizations.

“IT IS NOT A MARGINAL SITUATION”

In the report, he stated that research and documents provide insight into anti-Muslim attitudes in Germany, saying: “From these, anti-Muslim hostility is not a marginal situation in society, but is common in a large part of Germany”. people and has been maintained at a high level for years.” the expression was used.

In the report, it was stated that one in two people in Germany approved of anti-Muslim statements, on the one hand, Muslims were perceived as particularly “foreign” immigrants, on the other hand, they were seen as members of a so-called “backward” religion. , and it was claimed that Muslims were adversely affected twice due to these perceptions.

In the report, it was stated that Muslims are exposed to intense social discrimination, and it was emphasized that these were also experienced in the fields of education, employment, real estate, media and politics.

Pointing out that people who define themselves as religious, work in a Muslim association or wear clothing with religious connotations bear the brunt of anti-Muslim racism, it was claimed that women who wear headscarves especially face Muslim hostility.

In the report, it was stated that Muslim students and teachers experienced various forms of Muslim hostility in the field of education, noting that Muslim students performed worse than in performance evaluations, and racist thoughts were conveyed about the Muslims. students through educational tools.

PROPOSAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN “INCREDIBLE AGAINST MUSLIMS”

In the report, it was stated that Islam and Muslims were discussed especially on negative issues in the media, and this was seen very strongly in newspapers and TV channels, saying, “The negative and one-sided image of Islam can lead to a loss of confidence in Muslims and encourage far-right acts of violence.” a warning has been issued.

In the report, which conveyed a series of measures to be taken to combat anti-Muslim hatred, the government also demanded that the government appoint a “responsible for the fight against anti-Muslims.”

In his statement, Undersecretary Seifert stated that there are approximately 5.5 million Muslims living in Germany, half of whom are German citizens, and that this is the first time that such a comprehensive report on hostility against Muslims has been prepared. .

Stating that it is good that the report contains unpleasant elements and draws attention to problems affecting the coexistence of society, Seifert noted that this report will be taken seriously, discussed with relevant ministries, and discussed together with Muslim associations in the Islam of Germany. Conference to be held this winter.

Coordinator of the “Independent Anti-Muslim Expert Group” Prof. Dr. Emphasizing that anti-Muslim hostility is an issue that concerns the whole of society, Mathias Rohe said: “Anti-Muslim hatred in this country is an experience that many people experience all over the world. the days in the labor market and housing, education and public spheres”. saying.

Rohe stated that it is an important social duty to do something against anti-Muslim hostility.

Professor at the University of Erfurt. Dr. Kai Hafez, for his part, stated that there are duties to be fulfilled in the political arena in terms of combating anti-Muslim hatred, and stressed that anti-Muslim hatred has passed in some places in the party’s programs, but there are no work plans. on how to implement reforms in this regard.

Hafez, demanding to be sensitive to anti-Muslim offenses in reports from the Department for the Protection of the Constitution, said: “There are no in-depth discussions on the fight against institutional racism.” he used the phrase.

Emphasizing that the fight against structural racism is also valid for the media, Hafez criticized the one-sided broadcasts of the media. (AA)