15-fold increase in attacks on Muslims and mosques

Submitted by AWL on 30 May, 2013 - 12:43

Since the murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich by Islamist activists on 22 May, there have been at least 11 attacks on mosques and Muslim community centres, ranging from arson attacks to packets of bacon left on the doorstep. According to Faith Matters, an interfaith organisation, there has been a total of 201 incidents since the murder. The incidents range from online threats made to individuals to assaults.

The equivalent figure for May 2012-May 2013 was 642. The figure since 22 May represents a 15-fold increase on the average.

One of the most serious attacks was the petrol bombing of Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre, which took place while people were praying inside at around 10pm on 26 May. Dr. Ahmad Sabik from the Centre said: “I would say I can describe it as an attempt to murder.”

An incident at York Mosque, where a small contingent of EDL supporters who apparently planned to stage a demonstration were invited into the mosque for tea, has received widespread media coverage. In this case, members of the local Muslim community and other anti-racists outnumbered the EDL. These kind of conciliatory tactics are not, however, an option for everyone.

Click here for a map showing the location and details of mosque attacks.

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