More than 100 civil society organisations condemn Islamophobia and racism in European Parliament
A coalition of 104 civil society organisations has called on European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to condemn what it describes as racist and Islamophobic rhetoric used by some MEPs during a 7 October session on alleged Islamist infiltration and the Muslim Brotherhood.
A total of 104 civil society organisations have criticised statements made by several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during a parliamentary session entitled "Islamist Infiltration and the Muslim Brotherhood", held on 7 October.
The organisations, including Amnesty International, the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), the Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the European Civic Forum and the Civil Liberties Union, issued a joint letter addressed to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
In the letter, the signatories said that some MEPs had used language targeting Muslims, encouraging discrimination and constituting hate speech.
They argued that the remarks violated Rule 10 of the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure and Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which prohibits discrimination.
The letter cited statements made during the session in which Muslims were accused of infiltrating the democratic system "like a stealthy poison". It also referred to calls to combat the influence of Islam on everyday life and society.
Other remarks reportedly included demands to close prayer rooms, ban headscarves and halal food, and deport Muslims accused of placing the Quran above the constitution.
The organisations warned that such rhetoric stigmatises and portrays millions of people across Europe as threats or criminals on the basis of their perceived religion or origin.
They also highlighted the discrimination, hostility and increasing violence faced by Muslim communities across Europe.
CONCERNS OVER CIVIL SOCIETY FUNDING AND PARTICIPATION
The joint letter also raised concerns about a draft resolution discussed during the 7 October session.
According to the signatories, its adoption could restrict the participation, access to European institutions and funding opportunities of organisations working with Muslim young people and communities.
The organisations called on Metsola to publicly condemn the alleged hate speech and discriminatory statements made during the debate.
They also urged the European Parliament President to take appropriate action under Rules 183 and 184 of the Parliament's Rules of Procedure and oppose efforts to target Muslim civil society organisations.
The letter seeks to ensure that European parliamentary debates uphold the principles of equality, non-discrimination and fundamental rights.
