The Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO) warns of escalating Islamophobic attacks targeting Muslims, mosques, and community leaders across Europe in June 2026.
19 June 2026 – Edinburgh, Scotland: Two Muslim men were stabbed while leaving Broomhouse Mosque in a series of attacks currently under investigation as an anti-Muslim hatred case. Several individuals were injured, causing distress within the local Muslim community.
13 June 2026 – Blackburn, United Kingdom: A mosque was targeted in a suspected arson attack. The fire damaged the building and is under police investigation.
10-11 June 2026 – Bolton, United Kingdom: The home of an imam was targeted in a firebomb attack. A lit accelerant was thrown into the property while seven people were inside, all of whom escaped unharmed. The incident is being treated as a targeted attack.
10-11 June 2026 – Cagliari, Italy: A mosque was targeted in an arson attack. Investigators reportedly treated the mosque as the intended target, with anti-terrorism authorities involved.
These incidents reflect a disturbing pattern of violence against Muslims, mosques, and community leaders within a short period of time. They underline the urgent need to address Islamophobia as a lived reality that can escalate into physical harm.
According to the 2024 report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 47% of Muslims surveyed across European Union Member States report experiencing discrimination in their daily lives, while 39% report racist harassment. These findings highlight the persistence of Islamophobia and its impact on safety, dignity, and equality.
Mosques, Islamic centres, and Muslim community leaders must be protected and able to operate safely. Targeting both individuals and places of worship is an attack on Muslim communities and on the fundamental principle of religious freedom.
FEMYSO calls on European leaders and institutions to take urgent action to address Islamophobia, including stronger protection of places of worship and effective responses to hate crimes and terror attacks. Structural action is required to ensure Muslims in Europe can live and worship without fear.
FEMYSO stands in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirms its commitment to challenging Islamophobia and defending the rights and dignity of Muslim communities.
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NOTES:
- Being Muslim in the EU – Experiences of Muslims
- FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network of 32 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries. It is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
- For more information or requests please email media@femyso.org.
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