Some members of the Islamic community in Slovakia are contemplating leaving the country in light of recent developments, said Slovakia's Islamic Foundation Chairman Mohamad Safwan Hasna at a meeting with President Andrej Kiska in Bratislava's Presidential Palace on Thursday. Hasna said that some of them have already left Slovakia, moving to western European countries. "Our people are nervous, some of them have left. There are not many of them, I don't want exaggerate the situation. Some of them are thinking about leaving. They're mostly doctors, engineers, and technically savvy people", explained Hasna.

"Everybody is nervous, but I strongly believe that the last declarations weren't meant for real and that the situation will calm down after the general election", added Hasna. He mentioned that apart from Kiska, no other representative of state has initiated a meeting with the Islamic community in Slovakia. According to Hasna, the rhetoric of politicians isn't very opportune. "I think that one needs to pay attention to one's words, as they can have powerful effects", emphasised Hasna.

At a press conference on January 7, Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia needs to be secured from threats and the only way to minimise the risks is to prevent the creation of a compact Muslim community. According to him, such a community would have emerged if we had abided by the mandatory quotas. The prime minister's comments have not led to physical attacks on Muslims so far, but they have resulted in hateful emails. Hasna explained that the Islamic community in Slovakia is very well integrated and there should be no fear whatsoever.

Hasna said that all Slovak Muslims are condemning the attacks organised by the Islamic State across Europe. "If any of the perpetrators is a Muslim, they should be adequately punished. Now I'm talking about the recent events in Germany and I don't see any reason why this attack should be connected with Islam. Islam categorically rejects the rape of any woman at all. Rape is a 'no go' from any perspective", emphasised Hasna.

Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: TASR