A German organized group named Pro Cologne is holding a pan-European meeting of groups which oppose the presence of Muslim in their nations. The rally this week is aimed at fighting the “Islamic and Immigrant Invasion of Europe.” In particular, Pro Cologne is extremely hostile to a decision by the city of Cologne to allow construction of a mosque in the city. Rafet Ozturk, of the DITiB Turkish Islamic Union, pleased “it is high time that people in Germany raise their voices to support dialogue and peaceful coexistence and take a stand against injustice, racism and extremism.” Leftist groups are planning protests against Pro Cologne and will place placards around the city urging “dialogue and tolerance instead of aggression and fear.”
Many Islamic countries have urged the European Union to halt Pro Cologne from meeting. Unfortunately, these nations are most probably unable to grasp that repression and forbidding free speech only encourages hate and fear. Ironically, Iran called on the EU to halt a meeting which fosters hate. Perhaps, the Iranian government might spend some time dealing with its own human rights abuses before seeking to spread fear and anger toward those who oppose governments.



