Mosques Burned As Islamophobia Widespread In Germany

JAKARTA - Unidentified persons set fire to a mosque in Itzehoe City, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. There were no fatalities, but the mosque was badly damaged.

Great Mosque Society chairman Itzehoe Kenan Karagol told Anadolu that the arson took place at around 02.00 WIB local time. The perpetrator initially burned trash cans and cartons in front of the mosque.

It did a lot of damage. Even so the fire extinguished itself.

Karagol said the arson attempt was discovered by the congregation at around 6:15 a.m. local time when they were about to perform their prayers. The Muslim community then reported the incident to the police. An investigation was carried out.

"We are certainly worried about the incident. We strongly condemn the attack and want the culprit to be found immediately," Karagol said.

The police recorded 188 incidents of Islamophobia in the first half of 2020. At least 15 mosques were attacked and dozens of Muslims experienced physical or verbal abuse on the streets and in public places. Meanwhile, nine other people were injured in the attack.