EML Islamophobia Watch – European Monitoring & Response Unit
The European Muslims League (EML) expresses its concern over recent incidents in Lithuania targeting the Muslim community and its religious symbols.
In Vilnius, a copy of the Quran was publicly burned, an incident that prompted an investigation. In Kaunas, during a moment of prayer by the Muslim community, a protest was accompanied by provocative acts, including the display of a pig's head. The competent authorities have also intervened in relation to this incident.
The situation has gained national attention. The Lithuanian State Security Department (VSD) has reported an increase in incitement to hatred against Muslims in the public sphere and has drawn attention to the risk that such a climate could contribute to acts of violence against individuals or places associated with the Muslim community.
Particularly significant was the position taken by the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, who, in light of several incidents occurring within a relatively short period, stressed the need to carefully investigate what happened and whether such actions may have been organized.
The European Muslims League welcomes the response of the Lithuanian institutions and their commitment to protecting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence among different communities.
The President of the European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, stated:
"When institutions act to defend religious freedom, they are not protecting only one community, but the fundamental values of society as a whole. We appreciate the words of President Gitanas Nausėda: in the face of hatred, we do not need new divisions, but responsibility, dialogue and respect for the dignity of every person."
The European Muslims League stresses that combating Islamophobia must not be confused with limiting democratic debate. Issues relating to immigration, integration and security can and should be discussed freely, but without turning religion or membership of a community into a reason for intimidation, humiliation or hatred.
Through EML Islamophobia Watch – European Monitoring & Response Unit, the European Muslims League will continue to monitor incidents of Islamophobia across Europe, promote dialogue with institutions and support initiatives aimed at protecting religious freedom, human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
European Muslims League (EML)
EML Islamophobia Watch – European Monitoring & Response Unit
