GENOVA, ITALY

Defending Religious Freedom Means Defending Peace

Rome, 30 July 2025 –

Ambassador at Large and President of the European Muslims League (EML), H.E. Alfredo Maiolese, has expressed deep concern over the growing number of incidents of religious intolerance and persecution in various regions of the world.

“When a religious community is persecuted or a place of worship is desecrated,

it is not only an act against faith but an offense to the very dignity of humanity.

Defending religious freedom means defending peace,”

said Maiolese.

In recent months, international reports have highlighted:

Rising Islamophobia and antisemitism in Europe and North America

Attacks on churches and Christian communities in the Middle East and Africa

Restrictions on freedom of worship in several Asian countries

The European Muslims League (EML) calls on the international community, as well as religious and academic institutions, to:

1. Openly condemn all forms of religious persecution

2. Ensure the protection of places of worship and vulnerable minorities

3. Promote interfaith dialogue as a tool for peace

4. Cooperate at the diplomatic and legal level to safeguard freedom of faith everywhere

“Respect for religious freedom is the cornerstone of peaceful coexistence among peoples.

Where faith is silenced, sooner or later peace will also fade,”

concluded Maiolese.

The EML also announces the upcoming International Conference on Religious Freedom and Interfaith Dialogue, scheduled for Autumn 2025 in Rome, with the participation of religious leaders, academics, and institutional representatives from around the world.