The Collaboration for Islamic Organizations in the Haaglanden Region has stated in a letter to the Minister of Security and Justice Ard van der Steur that the way in which imams and Muslims are portrayed in the media is worrisome. De organization speaks of “troublesome developments” in society.
The collaboration, which comprises of 23 Islamic organizations, poses that “being Muslim” and the religion of Islam are “unnecessarily and unjustly besmeared”. The organization alluded to allegedly targeted attacks against Islamic scholars who wanted to speak in the Dutch cities of Rijswijk, Utrecht, and Eindhoven.
In addition they denounced the use of terms such as “hate preachers”, “hate beards”, and “jihad families” by the media. The current social climate, according to the collaboration, is instigated by certain media and the absence of clarity from the Dutch government.
Moreover the organization claims that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Islamic organizations and directors of houses of worship to convince their following that they can participate in society as full citizens. “In this discussion we cannot rule out that a double standard is being used and that Muslims are being presented as second-rate citizens if the government does not stand up for them”.
