The new Islamic threat in Europe
Recently, a confidential report from the French Ministry of the Interior has once again highlighted a growing concern for several European states: the influence of the Muslim brothers. This organization, with roots in Egypt since 1928, has found ways to expand its presence in Europe, taking advantage of cultural tolerance and ideological diversity.
France: a case study of radicalization
The French report indicates that the Muslim brothers have managed to infiltrate multiple sectors, including culture, sport and social initiatives. This strategy allows them to promote their agenda, which seeks to establish Islamic law, despite receiving funding from Gulf countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. French authorities have identified about 139 worship sites associated with this movement, as well as a network of organizations that operate under their direct influence.
Tactics of discreditation
Muslim brothers have perfected techniques to discredit critical voices, accusing them of Islamophobia and racism. This tactic has made it difficult to debate on its activities and has allowed the organization to gain increasing support among young people, especially through social networks.
Catalonia: a key territory for the Brotherhood
In Catalonia, the situation is less visible but not less alarming. With a significant Muslim community, the Muslim Brotherhood have found a conducive ground to expand their influence. Its strategy is based on the creation of cultural centers, charitable organizations and mosques that act as a focus of influence.
Charitable organizations and their influence
A prominent example is Islamic Relief, an NGO that operates in several Catalan cities. Despite his claims of not being related to terrorism, police reports have indicated possible connections with radicalizing activities. This occurs in a context where Salafism has a significant influence on many mosques.
Networks and organizations in Barcelona
In Barcelona, the presence of the Muslim brothers extends through various organizations, such as the Islamic League for Dialogue and Coexistence (Lidcoe) and the Islamic Cultural Center of Clot. The latter has received significant financing from Qatar, which highlights the connections with the Persian Gulf. These entities not only serve for religious practice, but also act as nuclei of ideological and cultural expansion.
Safety and Surveillance: a permanent challenge
The Spanish authorities have a high level of antiterrorist alert in Catalonia, especially after the expulsion of several individuals with radical links. Although the Muslim brothers do not promote violence explicitly, their potential of danger lies in creating an ideological environment that can facilitate long -term radicalization.
Proactive surveillance
The security forces are attentive to the activities of the Islamic Cultural Center of Clot and its leaders, considered keys to the spread of the ideology of the Brotherhood in the region.
A global strategy with local implications
The influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Catalonia is a reflection of a broader strategy to implement an Islamist view in Europe. Without resorting to violence, the organization seeks to modify the social and political fabric through social action, taking advantage of the tolerance of political and media elites.