Abstract
The most significant developments in 2015 related to Islamophobia are the increase in public display of aggressive intolerance in the form of demonstrations, which took place repeatedly in numerous cities across the Czech Republic and the change from groups that are active only on social media and occasional demonstrations (in much smaller numbers than online) to the establishment of a future political party (currently still registered only as an association) called 'Block Against Islam', led by the leading representative of Islamophobia, Associate Professor of Entomology, Martin Konvička. His party entered a coalition with other two parties to compete at the coming regional elections with support of their Islamophobic worldview from the highest level of power in the country, namely the President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman.
It should be stressed, however, that the Prime Minister, the Minister for Human Rights, and the Minister of Justice condemn the polarising and simplified views of the President. President Zeman however gave support to extremists by standing on the same stage with Mr.
Konvička during the National Day celebration on 17 November, 2015. Islamophobia has become connected to the issues of the so-called 'refugee crisis'.
In the minds of many, refugees are Muslims only and arguments against immigration and asylum policy become one with arguments against Muslims and Islam. Incidents of violence directed at mosques, mostly vandalism and Islamophobic obsessions with pigs have occurred.
In addition, it seems that a few women who wear hijabs or even non-Muslim women who use scarves, for example, for medical reasons, have become subjects of harassment and verbal abuse which has increased the polarisation of society. On a positive note, 2015 saw the development of voluntary groups and initiatives helping refugees and countering extremist discourse.
Czech volunteers have gained international acclaim for their efforts in helping refugees both in their country but especially abroad (Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia). Czech academics signed a petition against xenophobia.
Certain Christian groups expressed their views in the petition, which stated "We refuse every initiative to provide help to refugees based on ethnic or religious adherence. Dividing people in need based on faith or ethnicity goes against the humanist tradition and spirit of the Czech Constitution.
It also goes against the Biblical testimony and Christian tradition not to limit help to one's fellow people to co-religionists only."