GROWING ANXIETY AMONG MUSLIMS AS FAR-RIGHT VIOLENCE GRIPS UK

Mon 05 August 2024:

A group monitoring anti-Islamic organizations reported to the media that many Muslim worshippers are “scared of going to their mosques” as far-right riots escalate across the UK. Thousands of police were deployed on Sunday in anticipation of more anti-immigration violence. The UK’s policing minister stated that non-white people are afraid to go out due to the color of their skin.

In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters attacked the Holiday Inn Express housing asylum seekers, smashing windows and setting fires. Six people were arrested, and 12 police officers were injured. Similar violence occurred at a Holiday Inn in Tamworth and in Middlesbrough, where rioters damaged properties and attacked officers, resulting in 43 arrests. Five people were charged in Liverpool, and two in Bristol.

Government Response

The Home Office announced increased protection for mosques under a new “rapid response process” to address threats to places of worship. The weekend riots were fueled by false reports on social media that a Muslim asylum seeker was responsible for a fatal stabbing, which was actually committed by a 17-year-old born to Rwandan Christian parents.

Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf suggested deploying the army to control the violence, a move the government has so far resisted. Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured that those involved in the violence would face the full force of the law, emphasizing the right of people to feel safe and condemning the far-right thuggery.

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‘Standing army’ of police ready to deal with rioters

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says a “standing army” of specialist police would be set up as he promises “swift criminal sanctions” to check violent riots that have broken out in the country over the past week.

Starmer convened an emergency meeting on Monday with ministers and police chiefs, including Scotland Yard boss Mark Rowley, to discuss how to quell the violence that first broke out in Southport in northwest England on Tuesday.

Starmer said a “standing army” of specially trained police officers was ready to be deployed to support local forces where any further riots break out.

“Whatever the apparent motivation, this is not protest. It is pure violence, and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities,” Starmer said.

“The full force of the law will be visited on all those who are identified as having taken part in these activities.”

Heightened Fear Among Muslims

The director of Tell Mama (Measuring anti-Muslim Attacks), a group that monitors anti-Islam incidents, reported increased numbers of British Muslims being “terrorised” on the streets, with safety concerns at their highest since the weeks after the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on Israel.

“There is a heightened level of fear in the Muslim community and we’ve had individuals say they are very scared about going to their mosques or Islamic centres for fear of being attacked, and many mosques have cancelled events,” Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama, told media.

“We’ve had a significant increase in reports about British Muslims fearing for their safety.”

Tell Mama had also received a number of reports that Muslim women wearing the hijab or a face veil had faced death or rape threats.

“The racism, misogyny and rhetoric that we heard immediately after October 7, the whole thing is coming back to the surface again,” Ms Atta said.

“What we’re seeing on our streets is something that needs to stop. We cannot allow Muslim communities to be terrorised.”

The government announced new emergency security measures for mosques at risk, providing additional support and reassurance. Policing Minister Diana Johnson highlighted the racist nature of the protests and assured strong action to address the issue. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that those involved in disorder and violence would face severe consequences.

Online Incitement and Far-Right Influence

Far-right groups like the English Defence League have been identified as key instigators, using social media to coordinate and spread false information. There are increasing calls for the government to tackle online incitement, with discussions underway with social media companies about imposing heavy fines for platforms used to spread hate and disinformation.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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