There were news in printed and visual media about an attack to a mosque in Urif town of Palestine and the Quran which was perpetrated by a group of Jewish settlers. Freedom of expression, which means individuals being able to impart and defend their ideas freely and not being prosecuted for their ideas, is one of the foundations of being a democratic state of law. However, freedom of expression does not have unlimited protection. Freedom of expression can be subjected to some conditions, limitations, and sanctions within the scope of 2nd paragraph of Article 10 of European Convention on Human Rights. Within this context, it is obvious that an attack to the Quran perpetrated by a group of Jewish settlers in Palestine and Islamophobic actions cannot be counted within the boundaries of freedom of expression.

Within the context of hate crimes, Islamophobia has existed for a long time and frequently comes up. This situation was expressed in a striking manner in the report dated 13 April 2021, published by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, by stating that suspicion, discrimination and open hatred towards Muslims had reached “epidemic proportions." In the General Policy Recommendation No. 5 on Preventing and Combating Anti-Muslim Racism and Discrimination of Council of Europe European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, it is stated that governments have a duty to support freedom of religion and to ensure that all believers without exception can live and develop in their communities without fear of intolerance and discrimination.

Thanks to the leading role of our country in the fight against Islamophobia and intolerance in the international arena and its ongoing efforts, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 15 to be observed as the "International Day Against Islamophobia." With this decision, a global call to develop a climate of peace and tolerance on the basis of respecting human rights was made. However, the recent news show that despite all these efforts, the fight against Islamophobia still hasn't reached the desired levels. Elimination of these attacks against Muslims and Islam can be achieved by all actors of the international society taking a stance against them.

Our Institution, main mission of which is to protect and promote humans rights, prevent discrimination and raise awareness on this issue, condemns these attacks which violate the freedom of religion and belief and constitutes discrimination of the basis of religion.

Respectfully announced to the public.