Netherlands: mosque smeared with blood

A mosque in the Selwerd neighborhood of Groningen was smeared with blood Tuesday night, police reports. In addition to the blood, animal innards and the head of a wild board were found by the mosque.

The Groningen city council responded in shock to the attack Thursday. "We are deeply affected, because Groningen hadn't known such outrages till now. Only expressions of indignation and disgust are proper here," according to deputy mayor Frank de Vries. "This doesn't belong in our city. We immediately promised the mosque board our support."

The police opened an investigation and will keep extra watch for the moqque and the area.

Islam in Europe, 18 March 2010