By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) - Anti-Muslim acts in France surged 88% in 2025, marking the sharpest increase among all religious communities, even as the overall number of anti-religious incidents remained broadly stable, according to figures released by the Interior Ministry.
In total, just under 2,500 anti-religious acts were recorded nationwide in 2025, a level similar to 2024, the ministry said Thursday in its annual trends report.
But 326 anti-Muslim acts were registered last year, accounting for 13% of all anti-religious incidents. The ministry said the majority, 64%, involved physical or verbal assaults and online hate speech.
While antisemitic acts remained the largest share of incidents at 1,320 cases, or 53% of the total, they declined 16% compared to 2024. Anti-Christian acts rose 9% to 843 cases, representing 34% of the total.
The ministry stressed that the figures reflect recorded incidents and do not constitute official statistics, but provide an overall trend.
Security forces remain mobilized under the authority of local prefects, conducting patrols and fixed checks around sensitive sites, particularly during religious services and major holidays.
The ministry also highlighted financial support for securing religious sites, noting that nearly €48 million ($52 million) has been allocated in the past decade for measures such as video surveillance systems, reinforced doors and locks.
President Emmanuel Macron announced in January the launch of national and regional forums in the coming months to strengthen efforts to prevent and punish anti-religious acts, with the Interior Ministry tasked with coordinating the initiative.