Nadine Osman
A mosque in Rotterdam has been vandalised in a late-night attack that has prompted a criminal complaint and renewed concern among Muslim communities in the Netherlands over the safety of places of worship.
The incident took place on May 28 at the Mevlana Mosque, when a group of six men allegedly damaged the building’s exterior, threw beer bottles and urinated against the facade while worshippers were inside.
According to the Islamic Foundation Netherlands (ISN), the attack occurred at around 10:40 p.m. GMT. The group is said to have vandalised a mosaic wall before fleeing the scene, reportedly leaving in a taxi shortly before police arrived.
Mosque officials said they contacted police several times during the incident, but officers did not arrive until after the suspects had left. Security camera footage has since been handed over to investigators.
Dutch police said the group appeared to have been under the influence of alcohol and confirmed they responded to reports of vandalism at the mosque. They added that by the time officers were informed the suspects had left the area, the immediate situation had eased.
That account has been disputed by mosque representatives, who questioned why the incident was not treated as requiring urgent intervention.
“That the police did not see this as a threatening situation requiring immediate action is difficult for us to understand,” the ISN said, adding that the delay had caused “serious concern” among worshippers.
The foundation has since filed a formal criminal complaint and called for a thorough investigation, saying the incident had deepened feelings of vulnerability within the community.
Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten condemned the attack, describing it as “completely unacceptable”.
“Everyone in Rotterdam must be able to practise their faith in freedom and safety,” she said. “There is no place in our city for intimidation, vandalism and this kind of disrespectful behaviour.”
She said she had contacted the mosque’s board to express support and solidarity following the incident.
The Mevlana Mosque has previously been the target of threats and anti-Muslim incidents, according to Dutch reports, and community leaders say the latest episode has intensified concerns about the security of religious institutions.
The attack comes amid broader concern across Europe over incidents targeting mosques and Islamic centres, with campaigners calling for stronger measures to address anti-Muslim hatred and protect places of worship.
