German Chancellor: Do not shun Muslims after terrorist attack in France

Chancellor Angela Merkel strongly condemned recent anti-Islam protests in Germany.

The attack on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo on January 7, which features cartoons deemed offensive to the Prophet Mohammed, has raised concerns that it could fuel anti-immigration protests across Europe and spark a “war” over the place of religion in society.

Even before the terrorist attack, which is considered the worst in the history of French domestic security in decades, there was already a strong wave of anti-immigrant protests in Germany. A poll conducted before the dark day of January 7 in France showed that the majority of non-Muslim Germans felt increasingly threatened.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

However, German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday (January 10) emphasized: "I think we have to reiterate that there is a difference between Islam in general and the radical Islamists who attacked France. It is certainly helpful to be properly informed about Islam. The best thing is to have dialogue with the Muslim community. That is why I welcome the initiative that the Muslim communities have taken to invite others to the upcoming vigil. I think that is a very important step."

In her previous New Year's message, Chancellor Merkel also strongly condemned recent anti-Islam protests in Germany, calling on Germans to turn their backs on this movement which she said was hateful and racist.

Mrs. Merkel and many other European leaders will join a march in Paris today (January 11) to show solidarity with the French government and people after the terrorist attacks on the Charlie Hebdo magazine office and hostage taking in recent days./.

According to VOV