Islam And The West

Image source: Jacco de Boer

A report commissioned by Anne Frank House and Leiden University has found that violence and hatred of Muslims has increased in the Netherlands over the past year. 82 violent incidents against Muslims were reported over 2007 according to the findings of the report.

Entitled the extremism and racism monitor, the report also found a growing willingness amongst the far right in Dutch politics to target Islam and Muslims for verbal attacks:

“Violence against Muslims in the Netherlands rose considerably last year, according to the latest monitor on racism and extremism published by Leiden University and the Anne Frank Foundation on Wednesday.

The number of violent incidents against Muslims rose to 82 in 2007, from 62 in the preceding year. However the total number of racist attacks last year was down to 187, according to the 306-page report.

According to the Anne Frank Foundation, anti-Muslim sentiment has grown ‘significantly’ in the last year and public opinion about Muslims has become more negative.

The researchers also conclude that the stream of anti-Muslim comments by the PVV party, led by the controversial MP Geert Wilders, and the massive attention they are given in the media, have contributed to Islam phobia in the Netherlands….

…The researchers also conclude that the PVV can be labelled as an extreme-right group because of, for example, its dislike of ‘strangers’ and the political establishment, and its tendency towards authoritarianism. The party also attracts more radical right-wing extremists, the researchers say.

Wilders is furious with the report. ‘They have gone completely mad. It is an insult to the PVV and our voters,’ he told ANP news agency.” (Source: Dutch News)

I feel really sorry for Wilders how could any one suggest that his comments are anti-Muslim ?

For more on prejudice in Europe see: Racism Is On The Rise Across Europe

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