Latvian Muslims Concerned About Anti-muslim Sentiments

The IMAN, the council of the Muslim community of Riga, and the Advisory Council of Latvian Muslims have expressed their concerns about the increase in anti-Muslim sentiments in the country. The joint statement of these two organisations published in the Russian Biznes i Baltiya (Business and Baltics) newspaper, declares that "recently, certain Latvian mass media reports and statements blame terrorism on Islam and are spreading anti-Muslim sentiments and distrust in Muslims within the community." The statement also says that "Islam is a traditional religion of Latvia." Unofficial sources report that the Muslim community of Latvia comprises of some 10,000 people.