Anti-Muslim discrimination on rise in Germany, top official warns

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Anti-Muslim discrimination is increasing in Germany, a top anti-discrimination official warned on Tuesday. ​​​​​​​

Ferda Ataman, the head of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, said the number of complaints “explicitly relate to discrimination based on anti-Muslim racism has increased.”

During a press briefing in Berlin, Ataman presented the report on the state of discrimination in Germany.

"What we certainly observe is that Muslims experience strong discrimination. We know this from other studies and the cases we have, especially women with headscarves in the labor market…,” she added.

Ataman pointed out that many Muslims “experience also discrimination in public spaces.”

She urged the creation of more Turkish and Arabic language counseling centers where Muslims could address their complaints.

Ataman’s remarks came in the wake of a recent warning by a leading Berlin-based human rights group, which said anti-Muslim hate crimes have significantly increased since the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

According to the Alliance Against Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate (CLAIM), at least 1,926 anti-Muslim incidents occurred in 2023. Hundreds of verbal insults and threats were reported against Muslims, as well as 178 physical assaults, four attempted murders, five arson attacks, and 93 cases of vandalism and property damage.