NGOs and activists staged a protest outside United Nations offices in Geneva on Sunday to denounce what they describe as the Muslim Brotherhood’s expanding influence in Europe through civil society, cultural and humanitarian fronts, organisers said.
The demonstration, held on the UN square and authorised by Swiss authorities for 2 p.m., brought together European and African organisations including the European Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the Euro-African Humanitarian Coalition, alongside public figures and politicians, according to a statement from organisers.
They said the protest aimed to highlight what they view as a rising threat to the security and stability of European societies from networks allegedly linked to the Brotherhood.
Despite rainy weather, participants held banners reading “No to the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe”, “An organisation under the guise of humanitarianism” and “Time for accountability”, the statement said.
Organisers alleged that the gathering was attacked by individuals they believe are affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, who used sharp objects and violence to disrupt the peaceful protest. They said several demonstrators sustained minor to moderate injuries.
The escalation prompted intervention by Swiss police, who arrested several people suspected of taking part in the attacks in order to restore order and ensure the safety of participants, according to the organisers’ account.
They said they had begun legal proceedings and filed complaints against those suspected of involvement, as well as those they believe were behind the assault, in a bid to prevent similar incidents in future and to protect public assemblies across the European Union.
The organisers argued that the events underscored the risks of using civil society structures as a cover for activities that threaten public security, and urged European and international institutions to take concrete steps to safeguard civic space and uphold peace and security.
They also called for stronger coordination among EU member states and support for legal and institutional mechanisms designed to preserve the stability of European societies and protect democratic values and the rule of law.
