Islamophobes vandalize a mosque in Strasbourg
French Muslim organizations on Tuesday strongly condemned the vandalism of a mosque under construction in Strasbourg with Islamophobic graffiti.
The words “No to Islam, return to your village” were sprayed through the fence at the site of the Eyyub Sultan Mosque, which, when completed, will be the largest Muslim place of worship in Europe.
In a video statement, the Islamic Confederation of Milli Görüş (CIMG), the group overseeing the construction of the mosque, expressed disappointment at the Islamophobic and racist message.
“There is no material damage, but the symbolism is strong,” said a tweet from the official handle of the mosque.
“However, this incident reflects the deleterious climate that France is going through today. Indeed, the trivialization of remarks targeting Muslims in the media discourse demeans the enemies of living together,” he added.
A 21-year-old man detained by police admitted to having committed the vandalism, the Strasbourg prosecutor’s office said, the French daily Latest Nouvelles d’Alsace (DNA) reported.
He was released before his next court appearance on a prior confession of guilt, according to the report. The motive or intention behind the vandalism is still unknown.
CIMG has said in recent weeks it has received several threat messages, to which authorities have not responded.
The recent vandalism has received much criticism from national organizations such as the French Council for Muslim Worship (CFCM) and the Union of Mosques (UMF).
The Great Mosque of Strasbourg declared that the abject act of hatred and intolerance “aims to divide the national community and to pit religious communities against each other, while they live in perfect harmony”.
Another mosque, this time in Spain, was the target of an explosion on Sunday and the incident was condemned by the local community.