Geneva Protest Highlights European Demands to Counter Political Islam and Safeguard Social Cohesion

Geneva, Switzerland

The European Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ECPCR) issued a comprehensive official statement following a peaceful demonstration held in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva. The event, organized by several European and African civil society organizations, sought to highlight what participants described as "growing concerns" over the expanding influence of the Muslim Brotherhood across European societies through cultural, civil, and humanitarian platforms.

According to ECPCR spokesperson Gerard Béguin, the primary objective of the demonstration was "to raise awareness about emerging developments and to convey legitimate concerns expressed by diverse civil society actors regarding activities that may affect social cohesion, public safety, and the integrity of democratic institutions." Béguin noted that multiple organizations had observed increased attempts by ideologically driven groups to operate under the façade of charitable or cultural missions while advancing political goals incompatible with European democratic norms.

The demonstration, attended by representatives from the Afro-European Organization for Humanitarian Action and Development, along with political figures, academics, and community leaders, underscored the importance of protecting civic spaces from manipulation. Participants called on European governments and international entities, including the United Nations, to treat these concerns with the seriousness they deserve, warning that failing to act could enable dynamics that undermine long-term societal stability.

Advocating for Coexistence and Rejecting Political Islam

A central theme of the gathering was the emphasis on strengthening coexistence among communities of different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Organizers highlighted that Europe's social cohesion depends on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and the preservation of secular public life. They expressed concerns that political Islam-when deployed as a strategy to influence social structures-poses a direct challenge to these principles.

Speakers stressed that religious belief must remain a personal and spiritual matter, not an instrument for political mobilization or ideological penetration. They argued that organizations exploiting religion for political gain, particularly those aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood's worldview, contribute to increasing polarization, erode trust within communities, and risk creating parallel societal structures incompatible with democratic governance.

The ECPCR affirmed that rejecting political Islam is not an attack on religion or personal faith but rather a necessary measure to prevent the misuse of religious identity for partisan objectives. It called for policies that safeguard secular spaces, support integration efforts, and promote interfaith dialogue rooted in equality and shared civic responsibility.

Participants also urged European authorities to consider implementing legal frameworks that prohibit groups which systematically employ religious narratives for political purposes. According to the organizers, such measures would help ensure that civil institutions-whether cultural, educational, or charitable-remain committed to transparency, public service, and democratic values.

Legal Actions and Broader Implications

The European Center confirmed that it has begun initiating legal procedures aimed at investigating individuals or entities allegedly involved in activities that undermine public order or exploit civil society structures for ideological objectives. These actions, the Center explained, are designed to protect the rights of citizens to assemble peacefully, express legitimate concerns, and engage freely in public life without fear of intimidation or ideological interference.

In its statement, the ECPCR underscored the broader implications of these developments for European societies. It argued that the misuse of civil society frameworks by politically motivated groups threatens both community security and the credibility of humanitarian and cultural organizations. The Center urged European and international institutions to develop effective mechanisms that enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, and ensure that civic initiatives remain aligned with democratic values.

Call for Enhanced Coordination Among EU Member States

The statement concluded with a strong call for deeper coordination among European Union member states. The ECPCR emphasized that addressing the ideological challenges posed by political Islam requires unified policies, robust legal tools, and proactive cooperation between governments, law enforcement bodies, and civil society.

The Geneva demonstration, the Center added, serves as a reminder of the need to reaffirm Europe's commitment to coexistence, dialogue, and the rule of law. By rejecting the exploitation of religion for political ends and supporting mechanisms that protect civic spaces, European societies can strengthen their resilience, uphold democratic principles, and promote lasting peace and stability for all communities.

European Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution
32 rue Witten, 57440 Algrange, France

The European Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (CEPRC) is an independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting peace, security, and international cooperation. Established to address contemporary geopolitical challenges, the Centre works on preventing, mediating, and resolving conflicts across Europe and beyond.

This release was published on openPR.