Report: half of Dutch Muslims face discrimination
A report from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights reveals that discrimination against Muslims in the Netherlands is on the rise, with 50 percent of Dutch Muslims experiencing bias in the past year. This is significantly higher than the European average of 38 percent.
One recent example, reported by RTL, involved Ahmed, a 53-year-old from The Hague, who faced racism when attempting to move into a new home. After a 13-year search, he and his family had hoped to settle in Nootdorp. But when they arrived for a viewing, they found the property defaced with hateful graffiti, including racial slurs. Shocked and disheartened, Ahmed told RTL Nieuws, “It was clear we weren’t welcome.” He and his family ultimately turned down the home, feeling unsafe.
Ahmed’s experience is not unique. In another recent incident, 82-year-old Cemile Telli, a Dutch-Turkish woman from The Hague, was reportedly attacked by a neighbor in what her family believes was a racially motivated act. According to Telli’s son, Ali, the neighbor physically assaulted her, pushed her down a flight of stairs, and verbally abused her with racial slurs. Telli was hospitalized with broken ribs and a fractured nose. Her lawyer stated they are seeking justice for what they see as a racially charged assault.
The police are investigating both cases but have not yet filed formal charges regarding hate crimes. Authorities confirmed increased patrols in Nootdorp following the graffiti incident and have restricted Telli’s alleged assailant from contacting her. However, the rising number of incidents has caused alarm among officials and community leaders.
Rabin Baldewsingh, the Dutch National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism, emphasized the need for more action. “More than half of Muslims report experiencing discrimination, yet there’s no outcry,” he said. Baldewsingh added that anti-Muslim hate has become “normalized,” with little intervention to address the situation.
Dutch Parliament member Doğukan Ergin from the DENK party voiced similar concerns, calling it “appalling” that Muslims continue to face such levels of discrimination. Ergin had recently called for a parliamentary debate on the issue, which was rejected.
