Controversy in Germany after "Otto" store displays children's hijab.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Agencies

Arabian Sea - Agencies: The German online retailer "Otto's" offering of a hijab for children has sparked widespread outrage from right-wing parties and groups, leading to an organized campaign targeting Muslims and integration policies in the country. This incident has turned into a public opinion issue that has caused a sharp division within German society. The store published a promotional offer for children's hijabs through a third-party seller, which is legal in Germany. However, right-wing groups exploited these images to launch an intense attack on social media platforms, where prominent right-wing activist Malka Goldstein-Wolff led the campaign through a post calling for a boycott of the store, sparking a wave of abusive comments towards Muslims. Right-wing media outlets such as the "Nius" platform quickly picked up the news and began publishing a narrative that the hijab is used to "naturalize children" and "hide the woman's body," as she put it. Politicians from right-wing parties such as "Alternative for Germany" and "Bündnis Deutschland" also joined the campaign, attacking what they described as "attempts to Islamize German society." In response to the escalating pressure, "Otto" removed the product from its platform, explaining in a statement that the offer was provided by external partners and that selling the hijab is legal in Germany. However, the store announced a temporary suspension of offering such products with religious symbols aimed at children pending a review of its internal policies. It is worth noting that this incident comes in the context of a broader debate about the status of Muslims in Germany, where they constitute about 6.6% of the total population. The issue raises questions about the limits of freedom of religious expression and individual rights in the face of populist political discourse.