137 racist attacks on Europe mosques in 2016

As the world braces for a fresh wave of Islamophobia, all eyes have turned to Europe's mosques, which in recent years have become the prime target for racist attacks on the continent.

Reports say that in 2016 alone, 137 attacks on mosques were reported in countries across Europe.

The shocking statistic comes as the world struggles to recover from U.S. President Donald Trump's entry ban, which bars nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the country, and Monday's mosque attack in Quebec City, Canada, a country that at every opportunity touts a message of open doors.

'Peak year for mosque attacks'

Of the 137 mosque attacks in Europe last year, France had the most with 60, followed by 54 in Germany, 21 in Sweden and two in Switzerland.

France, which witnessed three monthly attacks on average in 2016, has often turned into hell for its Muslim population in the aftermath of each incident.

European politicians often do not condemn attacks targeting mosques, and avoid labeling them as racist.

Germany witnessed the second most attacks with 22 between 2001 and 2011. However, attacks increased to 36 in 2012 and 2013.

The country, which boasts a large Turkish-origin population, witnessed 23 attacks on buildings that belong to Muslims in the first six months of 2015 alone, and in the past year, the number of mosques targeted reached 54.

Sweden saw 21 such attacks in the past year. The attacks included fireworks shot at mosques and racist slogans painted on the religious buildings' walls.

In Zurich, three people were wounded in an armed attack on a mosque.

Sixteen attacks on mosques took place in the Netherlands. One racist event in the city of Almelo saw burned pages of the Quran mailed to the Yunus Emre Mosque.