Government data shows hate speech, violence and threats among offences as campaigners warn many incidents remain unreported
BERLIN: German authorities recorded 231 anti-Muslim criminal offences during the first six months of 2026, according to government figures released following a parliamentary inquiry by Green Party lawmakers.
The provisional figures cover offences classified under the “Islamophobia” category of politically motivated crime. However, the government said authorities could revise the total as police receive additional reports.
Police identified 127 suspects in connection with the incidents but made no arrests during the reporting period. Meanwhile, 33 of the recorded offences occurred online.
Authorities registered 44 cases involving incitement to hatred, while 13 involved symbols associated with unconstitutional organisations. Furthermore, police recorded 11 violent offences, nine cases involving coercion or threats and three incidents of property damage.
Another 47 incidents fell under other offence categories.
Recorded Cases Decline Compared With 2025
The latest total represents a decline compared with last year. German authorities recorded 489 anti-Muslim offences during the first half of 2025 and another 543 during the second half.
However, officials cautioned against making definitive comparisons because delayed reports could increase the 2026 figure.
Separately, Germany’s Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency received complaints involving discrimination against Muslims across several areas of everyday life.
The labour market accounted for 58 reports, while private services and access to goods generated another 42.
Campaigners Warn Official Figures May Understate Problem
Additionally, authorities recorded incidents involving education, healthcare, law enforcement, the judiciary and public spaces.
Ali Mete, secretary-general of the Islamic Community Milli Gorus, described every recorded offence as one too many and warned that official statistics may underestimate the scale of anti-Muslim hostility.
He said many victims do not report attacks to police, while authorities may not always classify reported incidents as anti-Muslim offences.
Mete therefore urged authorities to take victims seriously and provide consistent protection.
Germany records politically motivated crimes through its national police reporting system.
