ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT

EUROPEAN ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As in many other countries, the news of the terrorist attacks in Paris (Charlie Hebdo)
as well as the ones later in November shaped the public debate on the place of Islam
in Europe. In addition to this, the Austrian government issued a new law regarding
Islam, which regulates the relation between the Austrian Republic and the legally
recognised Islamic Councils. The law has been criticised as discriminatory by many
scholars of religious law, NGOs, as well as churches and religious communities. The
ongoing terrorist attacks of Daesh as well as the subsequent refugees fleeing from
Syria and Iraq to Europe have had deep political implications on Austrian politics.
The public climate is becoming more aggressive towards Muslims. The recorded
number of harassments on the streets and violations against Muslims is increasing,
which may have only to do with a heightened consciousness on the side of Muslims
who seem to have become more active in talking about these discriminations since
autumn 2014, after which the debate on Daesh has become omnipresent. While a
number of NGOs and activists speak out against these developments, right-wing
parties, which spread stereotypes of Muslims, are getting stronger. The FPÖ has used
offensive Islamophobic campaigning in three regional elections. While media reports
more and more about Islamophobic incidents, a biased coverage of Islam and Muslims
can be observed, especially in a great number of fabricated tabloid press stories.
Authoritative Muslim public figures, which play the role of native informants, often
support and thus legitimise this discourse.
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