This week, British Muslims have been living with anxiety and fear as far-right mobs have terrorised Muslim communities across the country, attempting to attack mosques and individuals.
Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said:
“The last week we have seen two Britains at play. The first is a mainstream, multicultural, and merciful Britain driven by hope. We saw it reflected on the streets of Southport when communities came together to clean up after protests outside a mosque. This spirit of solidarity was replicated throughout the country.
The second Britain is a fringe, fearful, and fractious Britain, driven by hatred of the other. Far-right thugs descended on Southport and elsewhere to spew hatred outside a mosque, falsely thinking the person who committed those terrible murders against the poor girls was a Muslim.”
“What we saw on the streets of Britain the consequence of unchecked Islamophobia: acceptable, potent, and very real in our society today. The government is right to speak out against the extremism witnessed on our streets, but it has been silent on the Islamophobia fueling that extremism.
Reports of terrifying Islamophobic and criminal behaviour have emerged this weekend, targeting local communities, including mosques, shops, and the police. These violent thugs have been damaging property, looting shops, and attacking innocent bystanders in what appear to be racially motivated attacks. Incidents include stabbings and smashed windows of refugee accommodations, accompanied by chants of Tommy Robinson.
We commend the police for their bravery in dealing with this unprecedented level of violence and criminality. We are heartened by the hundreds who opposed this racism, protected mosques, cleaned up the streets, and reminded us of the importance of staying united.”
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