Muslim groups face threats in Sweden: study

Some 40 percent of Muslim congregations in Sweden have been exposed to some form of criminal attack, according to a recently published study at Mid Sweden University."The study concludes that around four in 10 Muslim congregations are exposed to criminal attacks of various kinds - vandalism, threats, physical attacks or such like," said Klas Borell the researcher who led the study to The Local.

Borell explained that the study is the only statistically representative survey of its kind in Europe and involved more than 100 representatives for Muslim organizations.

While the study is unable to offer conclusions as to the perpetrators of the attacks, Borell said that their frequency followed a familiar pattern.

"There are really two identifiable factors. Firstly if the organization's operations have gained media attention, such as the building of a mosque. And secondly an international event, such as the Madrid or London bombings." (...)