ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT

EUROPEAN ISLAMOPHOBIA REPORT 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Islamophobia in Italy is a significant phenomenon that has attracted increasing attention
in the current climate of insecurity and threat which characterise Italian society.
To begin with, this report studies significant incidents and developments which
occurred in the country throughout 2015. In this context, the hostile language used
in the political debate, the bitter controversy on the building of appropriate places
of worship, the link between the migrant crisis and the Muslim presence, as well as
the discrimination suffered by Muslim women have been investigated.
Secondly, the authors of the report analyse the main shortcomings of the legislative
framework, such as the absence of a general law on freedom of religion and the
lack of an ad hoc agreement between the Muslim community and the Italian State;
these shortcomings jeopardise the full enjoyment of Muslim rights and the effective
fight against Islamophobia. Recently adopted laws and draft bills concerning the
field of interest of this report have also been scrutinised.
Thirdly, the present report explains how, during 2015, Islamophobia manifested
itself through several discriminatory events and incidents that occurred in various areas.
Despite a general legislative framework forbidding any form of discrimination,
Islamophobic incidents have been observed in employment and education. In these
fields, Islamophobia has had an impact in the every-day life of Muslims, and is evident
through geographical disparities.
In the aftermath of the 2015 terrorist attacks, Islamophobia in politics has become
more visible. In this regard, the implementation of existing laws has proven
to be insufficient, while the penalties provided are not always a proportionate or
dissuasive response to Islamophobic discourse.
Several cases of hate speech in the media and cyber-space have also been noticed.
Not only journalists and bloggers but also web moderators and ordinary
people have used the media and cyber-space as a vehicle to spread fear and hatred
towards Muslims.
Fourthly, the report focuses on central figures who have adopted negative attitudes
against Muslims and scrutinises the governmental and non-governmental
initiatives undertaken to counter Islamophobia in all the fields considered above.
Lastly, based on the results of this research, the report includes a set of recommendations
to be considered when discussing ways to counter the phenomenon of
Islamophobia in Italy.
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