Baku: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has voiced concerns over the role of certain institutions in promoting anti-Muslim sentiment. Addressing participants at the International Conference themed ‘Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas,’ President Aliyev highlighted how some countries not only ignore the fight against Islamophobia but also encourage it. He noted that radical movements and far-right parties attempt to gain public support by portraying Islam and Muslims as threats to Western values and identity, thereby increasing their political influence and securing more parliamentary seats. He specifically pointed out that organizations like the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, driven by bias and double standards, exacerbate anti-Muslim sentiment.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev further criticized the role of certain media organizations in spreading Islamophobia. He accused these media outlets of playing a destructive role by equating Islam with extremism and terrorism, which fosters a negative image of Muslims. He argued that this biased portrayal promotes the perception of Islam as a threat and unjustly labels it a religion of terror. President Aliyev emphasized that such media narratives create mistrust and fear in society by linking sociopolitical and socioeconomic issues to Islam and Muslims.