The media inform about Muslims in Slovakia minimally
Most of the articles were written abroad. Muslims are portrayed in them primarily as actors in situations, the INS said. They continue to be portrayed as those who need to be stated or defended against. Also as victims of attacks.
People learn little about the lives of Muslims from the media. “The Slovak recipient thus acquires a picture of the life of Muslims, dominated by violence, in which physical punishments are achieved for Sharia law violations, where women have no rights, no independence or education,” evaluated by the foundation. She added that such rhetoric is also adopted by public officials who scare migrants and Muslims for their political ends.
According to the ISN, media and political discourse are mutually reinforcing and adjusted. At the same time, however, they do not see a shift in media rhetoric. “As early as 2009, we pointed out the negative portrayal of Islam and Muslims in the study, we reaffirmed this negativity,” noted the foundation.