Germany Records 258 Anti-Muslim Crimes in First Half of 2023
Germany’s interior ministry announced that 258 anti-Muslim crimes were recorded by police in the first half of 2023.
Mosques Attacked, Muslims Physically Assaulted
More than a dozen mosques were attacked between January and June, and dozens of Muslims were physically assaulted or verbally harassed on the street or in public places. Seventeen people were injured in these attacks.
Figures Released in Response to Parliamentary Question
The ministry released the figures in response to a parliamentary question by the opposition Left Party.
Variety of Hate Crimes Reported
According to the information provided by the ministry, the cases included hate crimes, threatening letters, verbal and physical assaults, vandalism or property damage.
Spike in Cases Between January and March
Some 124 of these cases were reported between January and March this year, and 134 others were registered between April and June.
Criminal Investigations Underway, No Arrests Made
While criminal investigations were opened against several suspects, no arrests have been made so far, Interior Ministry officials have said.
Crimes Concentrated in Eastern Germany
Most of the crimes were committed in the eastern German states, the traditional stronghold of far-right parties, according to the figures. But scores of Islamophobic hate crimes were also registered in the capital Berlin, and the western cities of Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich.
Muslims Express Concern
Muslims have expressed concern about the rising hate crimes in Germany.
Rise in Racism and Xenophobia
Germany witnessed growing racism and xenophobia in recent years, fueled by the propaganda of far-right, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim groups, including the opposition party Alternative for Germany, or the AfD.
Germany’s Muslim Population
A country of over 84 million people, Germany has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe after France. It is home to nearly 5 million Muslims, according to official figures.
