UCOII calls for individual responsibility over religious generalizations

The Union of Islamic Communities in Italy (UCOII) has issued a statement emphasizing that responsibility must remain individual rather than collective. The organization expressed concern regarding public and media narratives that link the actions of single individuals to the entire Muslim community, arguing that such generalizations fuel stereotypes, fear, and social division.

UCOII president Yassine Baradai stated that the organization does not seek immunity from criticism, noting, “We do not ask for immunity from criticism and we do not want to remove anyone from judgment on their own behavior. We ask for the opposite: that everyone answers for what they do and that no faith is transformed into the indictment against millions of people.”

The organization called on the media and political sectors to verify facts and provide proper context to avoid portraying Muslims as a collective threat. UCOII indicated it would intervene in public debates and, if necessary, through ethical or legal channels to defend human dignity and social cohesion.