Turkish Parliament committee holds talks on ‘Islamophobia’ in Berlin

BERLIN

Members of Turkish Parliament’s subcommittee to investigate “Islamophobia” in western countries have met with the representatives of Turkish non-governmental organizations in Berlin, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on April 11.

Ömer Serdar, the head of parliament’s Human Rights Committee, expressed his disturbance over the recent association of Muslims with terror.

“Recent developments, especially the rise in terror groups who have defined themselves with Islam, have contributed to this association,” Serdar said.

He added that those who live in Europe have a fear of refugees coming from the Middle East and have defined this fear as “Islamophobia.”

“We are not looking for a scapegoat. Let’s reveal the aftermath of these [Islamophobic] events together … There are 25 million Muslims living in Europe,” said the Human Rights Committee head.

Serdar said they would prepare a report on the issue after they complete their work in Europe.

Speaking to state-run Anadolu Agency on April 5, he said they would hold meetings with state authorities and would discuss the issue of marginalization during their visits to Germany, France, and Belgium.