German Muslim leader says attacks on mosques, believers target Constitution, democracy

Attacks on Muslims or mosques also target the country's democracy, Constitution, and "our values," said a Muslim leader in Germany.

Islamophobia and hostility towards Muslims have unfortunately become something that is seen as "acceptable" in society, Abdassamad El Yazidi, chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, told Anadolu.

No religion is labeled more negatively in the German parliament than Islam, he said.

Marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, he stated that some sectors of society do not applaud Islamophobia, yet there are no loud objections either, adding: "This is the real problem."

He expressed concern over the current state of tolerance in Germany, saying that Germany was once known for its respect, tolerance, and freedom of religion.

But now Germany is "rapidly turning into that very terrible form of coexistence" that is known from history and many thought had been left behind, he said.

"If mosques are attacked, if Muslims are attacked and face discrimination, then first of all, it is not Islam that is being targeted, but our democracy, our values ​​and, our Constitution," added El Yazidi.

In March, the Interior Ministry announced that last year Germany saw 1,554 criminal acts targeting Muslims and premises belonging to Muslims.

A total of 54 of these were reported attacks on mosques.