Almost exactly a year on from the Christchurch mosque shootings, on March 19, 2020, the Council of European Muslims (CEM) renews its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims. 

As the sentencing of the terrorist who killed 51 Muslim worshippers in New Zealand — and live-streamed the massacre — was set to begin, the CEM, a representative body for hundreds of Muslim organisations across Europe, condemns this heinous terrorist act in the strongest possible terms.

It has become imperative that decision makers, civil society organisations and legal and human rights advocates in Europe come together to unite their efforts against the scourges of racism and anti-Muslim hatred. 

Such evil tendencies are often led by far-right extremist parties but are backed, deliberately or otherwise by an environment of anti-Muslim sentiments, rhetoric and policies. Islamophobia can only be combatted when all components of European societies mobilize in solidarity against this and all forms of racism and discrimination. 

Furthermore, the CEM calls on all European state authorities to redouble their efforts when it comes to introducing legislation that will criminalise Islamophobic practices in all their forms. 

Council of European Muslims