German police reports 578 Islamophobic crimes in 2018

German police recorded 578 hate crimes against Muslims between January and September this year, according to figures released on Thursday.

At least 40 Muslims were injured in the attacks which were mostly carried out by far-right extremists, the Interior Ministry said in response to a parliamentary question.

Anti-Muslim crimes registered by the police included insulting, threatening letters, physical assaults and attacks against mosques.

The opposition Left Party, which submitted the parliamentary question, has warned against growing hate campaign and violence against Muslims in the country.

Some 27 Muslims were injured in attacks between January and September last year.

Germany has witnessed growing Islamophobia and hatred of migrants in recent years triggered by propaganda from far-right and populist parties, which have exploited fears over the refugee crisis and terrorism.