New census figures showing an increase in the UK’s Muslim population are no excuse for scaremongering, argues Ian Birrell.
FBI: Anti-Muslim hate crimes remain relatively high
Hate crimes against perceived Muslims, which jumped up 50% in 2010 largely as a result of anti-Muslim propagandizing, remained at relatively high levels last year, according to 2011 hate crime statistics released today by the FBI.
Another fascist protest against Sunderland mosque
Protestors again gathered at the site of a planned mosque in Millfield.
A proposal to convert a former council depot into a mosque has caused controversy since the decision was accepted in January. And on Saturday members from the National Patriotic Front turned up to the site with signs, including some that read “no more mosques.”
Treasurer Paul Stephenson said: “We are a Christian country, we don’t want to bring their ideas and practices into our country.” Chairman Robert Patten added: “We come here every month and we are going to keep coming back until there is something done about this. We want to stop the spread of Islam as much as we can.”
Bradford EDL men face jail
It is no surprise that where the EDL go racist violence follows soon after.
Two Bradford EDL activists have admitted taking part in violence following a protest in West Yorkshire earlier this year.
Nottinghamshire Muslim family suffers further harassment
Offensive graffiti attacking Allah and Islam has been painted outside a Muslim family’s home weeks after a cross wrapped in ham was left by their door.
The 31-year-old mother and two sons, eight and 10, say they have suffered five or six racist incidents since they moved to Bingham, Notts, in October.
The graffiti was painted on their path on Saturday morning.
Warning to Teesside teachers as BNP leaflet campaign targets schools
Headteachers on Teesside are being warned about a leaflet campaign by the British National Party targeting schools.
Cleveland Police has branded the content of the BNP leaflets as “provocative and detrimental to good community relations”. The force has consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service regarding any potential offences and is awaiting their advice.
Teachers on Teesside are being called on to be vigilant about any possible BNP political activity seeking to engage young people.
Geller’s new anti-Islam ad to debut in New York – with disclaimer
Pamela Geller is at it again.
The outspoken blogger and Executive Director of the American Freedom Defense Initiative has just purchased a slew of advertising space in several subway stations and on numerous Metro-North platforms in order to display her newest anti-Islam message.
Her latest ads, shared exclusively with The Observer, will feature a panorama of the sky the moment the World Trade Center burst into flames in 2001, accompanied by a quote from the Quran that reads “Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers.”
Pasadena church joins with Muslim group to decry hate emails
Religious leaders from all sects and denominations stood shoulder-to-shoulder at All Saints Church in Pasadena on Thursday to denounce a spate of hate mail the parish received for hosting a popular Muslim event at the church.
Parliamentary report exposes employment discrimination against Muslim women
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Race and Community has expressed concern regarding high levels of Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi female unemployment in its new report on the issue. The report follows a five month inquiry.
The report and inquiry was written and undertaken in partnership with the Runnymede Trust, which acts a secretariat for the group.
It argues that discrimination is present at every level of the recruitment process, and cites examples of women changing their names or removing religious dress, such as the hijab, for job interviews.
Newham Council rejects Riverine Centre plans
A plan to build the UK’s biggest mosque in Stratford, east London, has been rejected by councillors.
Thousands of supporters gathered outside Newham Council’s town hall ahead of the decision.
The Islamic missionary group Tablighi Jamaat has been trying for 10 years to build a mosque in Newham.
Supporters outside the town hall, some of whom had come from Birmingham and Bradford, held signs reading: “15 years of waiting. Not a day more. Vote yes to the Riverine Centre”.
BBC London reporter Alex Bushill estimated that 3,000 people had gathered. The crowd dispersed after the meeting.