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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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30 November 2009

PRESS RELEASE: Switzerland – Ban on Minarets: legitimising Anti-Muslim Sentiment in Europe

The Swiss referendum to vote on a ban on Minarets is the latest indicator of the rising Anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe.

IHRC is concerned that the media and politicians have created an environment of mistrust and hatred for Muslims.  In the backdrop of this climate, IHRC fears that by holding a referendum that curtails the freedom of religion is itself discriminatory and indicative of how pervasive anti-Muslim feeling is within Europe.

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh

“Holding a referendum on whether it is legitimate to discriminate against the second largest religious community is a sad reflection of Europe’s underlying anti-Islam attitude. Europe seems not to have learnt from the consequences of racism when Switzerland, known for its tolerance and pluralism in Europe, legitimizes the discrimination of Muslims.”

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 7958522196, email: info@ihrc.org.[ENDS]

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The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org