Three Shocking Stories: This Week in Europe

Violence, rape and a suspicious theatre cancellation all made headlines this week in Europe.

Sun, May 29, 2016

1 A 23 year old asylum seeker from Iraq was badly beaten by other asylum seekers in Berlin, after he wore an "I'm Muslim Don't Panic" t-shirt. According to the Daily Mail, those who beat him thought he was mocking Islam by wearing the t-shirt. Three men badly beat him and he was rushed to hospital. A 27 year old from Syria and a 33 year old from Lebanon have reportedly been arrested on charges of aggravated grievous bodily harm.

2 The Royal Theatre in Copenhagen has cancelled a performance of a play adaptation of the book 'The Satanic Verses' according to Sputnik News. Salman Rushdie, author of the book, was forced into hiding after the book ignited anger from hardline Muslims who regard it as blasphemous. A price was placed on his head by the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei.The director of the play, Hassan Preisler, who adapted the script, says the decision to cancel was due to fear of reprisals from extremist Muslims. The Theatre denies that fear played a role, instead citing a scheduling issue.

3 A Swedish Police Report has blamed Swedish girls for rapes they have suffered at the hands of migrants from Muslim majority countries. According to the Express, the report said "Sweden tops the new EU statistics on physical and sexual violence against women, sexual harassment and stalking. The conclusion is that the roles are a consequence of Nordic alcohol culture, but also of non-traditional gender roles." The report allegedly excused refugees who rape saying they "cannot handle the alcohol." Police did say that the majority of sexual assault cases in public places were perpetrated by migrants

Three Shocking Stories: This Week in Europe