‘Sharp rise’ in anti-Muslim discrimination: EU rights agency 

VIENNA, Oct 24: Muslims in Europe are facing "ever more racism and discrimination", the EU rights agency said Thursday, noting a "sharp rise" even before the Hamas attack against Israel caused "a spike in anti-Muslim hatred".

Several EU nations have reported a rise in anti-Muslim, as well as anti-Semitic acts since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, which then launched a retaliatory offensive on Gaza, according to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

"We are aware of reports from several EU countries, highlighting a spike in anti-Muslim hatred -- as well as anti-Semitism -- after the Hamas attacks," FRA spokeswoman Nicole Romain told AFP.    —AFP