Far-right uses Notre Dame fire for propaganda

BERLIN (AA) – Germany’s far-right politicians shared xenophobic conspiracies and provocative messages on social media following the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday. </p> <p> Alice Weidel, co-chairwoman of far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), speculated on Twitter that the Notre Dame fire could be an attack targeting Christians, although French authorities ruled out arson or any terror-related motive. </p> <p>Weidel claimed that in February alone 47 attacks were recorded in France that targeted Christians and their churches. </p> <p>AfD lawmaker Anton Friesen tried to exploit the Notre Dame fire to propagate the party’s anti-Muslim narrative. </p> <p>“Worse would happen if we lose our religion and culture to Islam. The mosque of Notre Dame can soon be a reality faster than one may think,” he tweeted. </p> <p>The AfD’s local branch in the western city of Solingen spread false information online soon after the fire, further stoking fear of Muslims and immigrants in Germany. </p> <p>“Attacks against traditional symbols of Christianity would significantly increase in the coming years and we all know why! #NoIslam #Germany,” the AfD’s local branch posted on Facebook.</p> <p>The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is the largest opposition party at the parliament, has intensified its anti-Islam rhetoric ahead of European Parliament elections in May.</p> <p>Germany has witnessed growing Islamophobia and hatred of migrants in recent years triggered by the propaganda of the AfD and other far-right parties, which have exploited fears over the refugee crisis and terrorism.</p> <p>Police recorded 813 hate crimes against Muslims last year. At least 54 Muslims were injured in the attacks, which were carried out mostly by far-right extremists.</p> <p>Germany, a country of over 81 million people, has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe after France. Among the country’s nearly 4.7 million Muslims, 3 million are of Turkish origin.