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Brussels mosque targeted by swastika graffiti
Authorities in Brussels have launched an investigation after a swastika was spray-painted on the shutters of the historic El Mouahidine Mosque in the Laeken district. The incident, discovered during the night between Saturday and Sunday, has been condemned by Belgian officials as an act of Islamophobia and Nazism.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin both issued strong condemnations, with Quintin stating that attacking a mosque targets the very faith and identity of Muslim citizens. Ahmed Laaouej, the Brussels Minister for Cults and Equality of Opportunity, also visited the site to express solidarity with the mosque's leadership.
The mosque's president, Mohamed Karroun, expressed deep shock and called for increased protection for places of worship. Police are currently analyzing surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators responsible for the vandalism.
Entities
Ahmed Laaouej · Bernard Quintin · Brussels · El Mouahidine Mosque · Mohamed Karroun · Philippe Close
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Brussels Minister for Cults and Equal Opportunities condemned the vandalism as openly Islamophobic. www.rtl.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Police are analyzing images to identify the perpetrators. www.rtl.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The El Mouahidine mosque was founded in 1980. www.rtl.be
- [● 4 SOURCES] An investigation has been opened following the discovery of a swastika on a mosque facade. www.estrepublicain.fr · www.vosgesmatin.fr · www.leprogres.fr · www.rtl.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mayor of Brussels condemned the Islamophobic act as being of extreme gravity. www.rtl.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The president of the El Mouahidine mosque expressed deep shock and requested better protection for places of worship. www.rtl.be