German official stirs controversy for Islamophobic remarks

Berlin, Dec 10, IRNA - A leading Berlin city official sparked controversy for his blatant Islamophobic statements by claiming mosques were "brainwashing children," the daily Tagesspiegel reported Thursday.

The mayor of Berlin's Neukoelln district, Heinz Buschkowsky alleged he had information that children were being "brainwashed" in mosques.

Buskowksy claimed mosques were also the recruiting ground for what e termed "holy warriors."

There are around 20 mosques in Neukoelln which have a sizeable Muslim
population of mostly Turks and Arabs.

German Muslims have repeatedly expressed growing concerns over a new Islamophobic wave incited by mainly right-wing German politicians who have instrumentalized anti-Islamic sentiments in the country for their own political purposes.

"The mood in the German Muslim community is filled with fear because
Islamophobia has reached the middle of German society," according to a Berlin Muslim community leader, Faical Salhi.

"I am afraid for the safety of my wife and children. There are daily attacks against Muslims in Germany simply because one has a beard or is wearing a headscarf," Salhi added.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Central Council of Muslims, Ayyub Axel Koehler warned earlier Islamophobia had become a "major challenge" for Germany.

Islamophobia has to be placed on the "political agenda of parties, parliament and government," the Muslim leader said.

Germany has around 4.3 million Muslims in a population of 82 million, of which 2.5 million are Turks.

Confronted with daily verbal abuse and racial discrimination, Germany's Muslim community is also battling with major educational problems for their children and a chronic lack of job opportunity./end