Dutch Muslims launch platform to track mosque attacks
A leading Muslim umbrella organization in the Netherlands has launched a nationwide platform to document attacks, threats and vandalism targeting mosques and other Islamic institutions.
The Contact Body for Muslims and Government, known as CMO, said mosques and Islamic organizations across the country can report incidents through the newly established National Reporting Center for Incidents Against Islamic Institutions.
CMO seeks clearer picture of attacks
CMO Chair Muhsin Köktaş said existing reporting channels had received too few complaints despite concerns about attacks and discrimination affecting Muslim communities.
He said the new platform would provide mosques and Islamic organizations with a more accessible way to report incidents and help ensure cases are properly documented and followed up.
The organization also plans to compile data from the reports and publish the findings in annual reports.
Data to be shared with authorities
Köktaş said the collected information would be presented during meetings with government bodies, including the Justice Ministry and institutions responsible for addressing discrimination.
He said documented cases would strengthen calls for concrete government measures, including legal action and additional protection for Islamic institutions.
Dutch police have welcomed the platform while stressing that victims should continue reporting incidents directly to official authorities.
Police reports show underreporting
Köktaş said Dutch police recorded 414 cases of anti-Muslim discrimination in 2025, including 20 incidents directly involving mosques.
He said police had also raised concerns that discrimination cases were significantly underreported.
CMO plans to encourage victims to document incidents carefully and provide supporting evidence when filing complaints with police. Reports submitted through the new platform will also be verified with mosque officials and representatives of Islamic organizations.
Discrimination extends beyond attacks
Köktaş said discrimination was not limited to threats or violence against Islamic institutions.
He pointed to less visible forms of discrimination in areas such as job interviews and everyday life, warning that discriminatory behavior should not become normalized in Dutch society.
Source:DailySabah
