Men threatened to kill woman because of her faith on London Underground

March 29, 2023 Article

The British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a CCTV appeal after two men threatened to kill a woman because of her religious identity and targeted her with religiously aggravated abuse.

Officers want to speak to the men pictured in connection with the hate crime at 1 pm on February 21, when she boarded a southbound Victoria line train at Finsbury Park station.

Both men exited the train at Kings Cross station.

Tell MAMA works with the BTP and challenges all forms of hate crime on the rail networks, and, therefore, if you recognise the men pictured, we are happy to pass information forward on your behalf or anonymously.

The crime reference number for the hate crime is 316 of 21/02/23 – the public can contact the BTP on 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

As protocol, we ask the public to familiarise themselves with safety tips created in partnership with the BTP, covering not just the London Underground but the entire rail network.

 

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Categories: British Transport Police, BTP, hate crime, London Underground, News

Two women stabbed to death at Muslim centre in Lisbon

March 28, 2023 Article

A man wielding a large knife killed two women and injured several other people at an Ismaili Muslim centre in Lisbon in an attack which Portuguese authorities said they were investigating as a possible terror act.

The women were Portuguese staff members at the centre, Ismaili community leader Narzim Ahmad told Portuguese TV channel SIC.

Local Afghan community representatives and Portuguese authorities described the man as a refugee from Afghanistan who was receiving help from the Ismaili Community.

Officers dispatched to the centre on Tuesday morning encountered a man armed with a knife, according to a police statement.

The officers ordered him to surrender and he was shot when he advanced toward them, the statement said. The suspect was taken to a Lisbon hospital where he is in police custody.

Several other people were wounded but police provided no further details.

Prime Minister Antonio Costa told reporters the attack was “a criminal act”.

“Everything points to this being an isolated incident,” Mr Costa said.

There was no immediate word on the identity of those killed.

Armed police from a special operations unit could be seen forming a perimeter outside the building. Mr Costa said police were investigating the attack and it was too soon to speculate about a motive.

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, generally known as the Ismailis, belong to the Shia branch of Islam. They are a culturally diverse community living in more than 25 countries around the world.

Portugal hasn’t recorded any significant terror attacks in recent decades, and religious violence is virtually unheard of in the country.

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Categories: Ismaili Centre, Lisbon, Muslim Centre, Portugal, Shia Muslims

Far-right racist jailed for disseminating terrorist material and other offences

March 23, 2023 Article

A far-right racist who put up racist stickers across Huddersfield was jailed this week after pleading guilty to various offences, including disseminating terrorist material.

Steven Donovan, 32, of Baker Street in Huddersfield, appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday to receive his 27-month prison sentence.

Other convictions related to his possession of racist material and extreme pornography – a trend observed in other convictions of those guilty of far-right-related terror offences.

The counter-terror investigation began after a local PCSO found racist stickers and graffiti in and around Greenhead Park in Huddersfield and raised their concerns further.

A subsequent investigation connected Donovan’s extremist far-right, racist behaviours online with the vandalism in Greenhead Park.

The 32-year-old was charged in August 2021, following their initial arrest in the summer of 2020.

In a statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, who leads Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “Communities in West Yorkshire work tirelessly alongside agencies such as the police to ensure our towns and cities are welcoming and inclusive to people of all backgrounds.

“Those that seek to bring hatred to our communities and disrupt cohesion through criminal activities will be tracked down and brought before the courts.

“We must stand together by challenging hateful extremist attitudes and trusting our instincts by reporting concerning or suspicious behaviour to the police.”

 

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Categories: Far Right groups, far-right terrorism, hate crime, Huddersfield, News

Man charged with attempted murders following attacks on elderly Muslim men

March 23, 2023 Article

The police have named the suspect charged with two counts of attempted murder following attacks on elderly Muslim men set alight outside mosques in Birmingham and London

Mohammed Abbkr, 28, allegedly sprayed a substance on two men and set it alight in Ealing, west London and Edgbaston in Birmingham on 27 February and 20 March.

He is set to appear before Coventry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

Both victims, aged 82 and 70, suffered horrific injuries, requiring ongoing treatment in the hospital for severe burns.

The BBC reported that the London victim, identified locally as Mr Harshi, is recovering at home after leaving the hospital a day after admission.

Mohammed Rayaz, 70, who was attacked on Shenstone Road in Edgbaston after walking back from Dudley Road mosque shortly after 7 pm on Monday, remains in hospital.

It remains a joint investigation between West Midlands Police, Counter Terrorism Policing and the Metropolitan Police.

West Midlands Police have thanked local communities for their support.

The investigation remains ongoing, including the motive for the attacks. West Midland Police are asking communities to not share the distressing video of the attack as it may further impact the victim and their family and potentially damages their investigation.

Reassurance patrols and community work will continue, especially with the holy month of Ramadan beginning this week, both in London and Birmingham.

Anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell footage or video football assisting West Midlands Police can forward the footage via this link.

 

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Categories: Metropolitan Police, News, West Midlands Police

Police link attacks on elderly Muslim men in Ealing and Birmingham

March 22, 2023 Article

The Met Police have linked the horrific attack on an elderly Muslim man in Ealing with a similar attack on a Muslim pensioner in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

West Midlands Police detained a man yesterday (March 21). Following a joint investigation, the same man has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

Detectives from the Met’s West Area Command continue to work closely with West Midlands Police, who lead the investigation. It was reported yesterday that counter-terror officers provide additional assistance.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson of the Met’s West Area Command said: “We completely understand the shock that resonated throughout the community following this incident.

“Despite a man having been arrested, we continue to be vigilant and urge local people to do the same. Highly visible patrols around Singapore Road will continue in the coming days to provide reassurance to local people and I urge anyone who is concerned to approach officers.”

The Telegraph and The Times newspapers detailed more about the Birmingham victim – 70-year-old Mohammed Rayaz – who remains in hospital with severe injuries.

Anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell footage or video football assisting West Midlands Police can forward the footage via this link.

 

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Categories: Birmingham, crime, Metropolitan Police, News

Counter-terrorism police involved after man set alight on way home from mosque

March 21, 2023 Article

Counter-terrorism police are involved in an investigation into a man being set alight as he walked home from a mosque and a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The victim suffered facial burns when his jacket was set alight in Shenstone Road in Edgbaston, Birmingham, at around 7pm on Monday.

West Midlands Police it is aware of a similar incident in the Ealing area of London and is working with the Metropolitan Police to see whether the incidents are linked.

The Met said an 82-year-old man was set alight on Singapore Road on February 27 as the suspect and victim both left the West London Islamic Centre.

West Midlands Police said officers are studying video footage of Monday evening’s attack which has been circulated on social media.

A man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon on Dudley Road on suspicion of attempted murder.

The man, who remains in custody, was identified by officers who were in the area carrying out inquiries following the attack.

Chief Superintendent Richard North, commander at Birmingham police, said: “Our investigation continues with support from Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU who have access to specialist capabilities to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We have officers patrolling the local area to reassure people and we are visiting local faith establishments to keep them informed.”

He added: “Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.

“We are taking this matter extremely seriously and are using all resources available to us. We are keeping an open mind to the motive of the attacker and we won’t speculate further at this stage.

“We’re examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses. I’ve been speaking to people this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers.

“We are determined to get those answers as soon as possible, and I’d urge the community to work with us and to avoid any speculation at this stage.”

Earlier, police said it is believed the man, who was walking home from Dudley Road Mosque, was approached by a man.

“He spoke to him briefly before spraying him with an unknown substance and then his jacket was set alight, causing burns to his face.

“He was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening.”

Officers are aware of a video posted on social media “showing a man being set alight, and we’re examining it as part of our investigations”, the statement added.

Extra officers will be in the area to speak to the community and to provide reassurance.

Following the attack, Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward, Cabinet member for social justice, community safety and equalities John Cotton, and ward councillors Sharon Thompson and Marcus Bernasconi said: “This was a horrific attack and our thoughts are with the victim and his family at such a distressing time.

“Councillors and the community safety team are speaking to the family and West Midlands Police. We will continue to offer our support.

“Council officers, local councillors and MP have also been engaging with community groups and local mosques to offer support to the wider community.

“We would urge the community to work with the police and to avoid any speculation at this stage – and also like to thank them for their willingness to share information on this incident.”

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police via Live Chat on the force website or to contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Categories: Counter Terror, mosque, Set Alight, West London Islamic Centre

Man walking home from Dudley Road mosque set on fire

March 21, 2023 Article

A man who was set alight after walking home from the Dudley Road mosque in Birmingham needed hospitalisation for severe injuries as West Midlands Police continue their investigation.

West Midlands Police said the attack happened on Brixham Road in Edgbaston just after 7 pm on Monday (March 20).

A press release from the force states that the man doused the victim’s jacket with an unknown substance before setting his jacket alight, resulting in severe burns to their face, having approached them in the street and briefly speaking with them before the shocking attack.

The statement added that the serious injuries “are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening”.

Videos circulated on social media showing a man being set alight are under review as part of the investigation.

Supt James Spencer, from Birmingham police, said: “Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.

“I’ve been speaking to people in this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers.

“We are determined to find the person responsible and get those answers as soon as possible, and I’d urge the community to work with us and to avoid any speculation at this stage.”

Additional officers are in the area to provide reassurance patrols and answer community questions.

Tell MAMA is liaising further with West Midlands Police, and we endeavour to provide further updates where possible.

Anyone with information can contact the police via their online Live Chat, quoting log 4009 of 21 March, or calling the non-emergency 101 number. Tell MAMA can pass information to the police anonymously or on your behalf if requested.

 

 

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Categories: Birmingham, fire, mosque, News, West Midlands Police

Terror trial jury told tweet ‘encouraging terrorism’ was bid to gain followers

March 20, 2023 Article

A Twitter user accused of encouraging others to decapitate anyone who insulted Islam has told a jury he retweeted praise for a terrorist “just to have some more followers”.

Ajmal Shahpal told Birmingham Crown Court he did not believe that the killer of French school teacher Samuel Paty was “as brave as a lion” or that the victim “deserved to be killed” in France in October 2020.

Prosecutors allege Shahpal, of Birkin Avenue, Radford, Nottingham, encouraged others to commit, prepare, or instigate acts of terrorism in a series of retweets, including one containing an image of Mr Paty’s severed head.

Shahpal, 41, is also alleged to have tweeted messages backing a Pakistan-based political party which supported the “out-of-hand murder of those who it thinks have committed blasphemy”.

Under cross-examination from prosecutor Dan Pawson-Pounds on Monday, Shahpal, who is originally from Pakistan and was assisted by an Urdu interpreter, denied pretending to have a poor understanding of English to try to escape responsibility for his tweets.

Mr Pawson-Pounds told Shahpal, who passed a taxi exam and studied for a diploma in English and business management after coming to the UK in 2009: “The Crown suggests that you were a radicalised follower of extreme Islam and that you both supported and encouraged the murder of people for what you considered to be blasphemy.

“You used your Twitter account to encourage people to do this by saying on that account repeatedly that blasphemers should be killed and should be killed immediately.”

After the defendant accepted that Mr Paty did not deserve to die and that the teacher’s killer was not “as brave as a lion” – contradicting statements in one of his retweets – Mr Pawson-Round asked him: “Why did you retweet a tweet saying all these things then?”

Shahpal responded: “As I have already told you, the reason behind this was just to have some more followers.

“At the time when I retweeted it, that picture (of a severed head) wasn’t fully open at that time on the feed of Twitter.

“So at the time I did not know what picture it was that I was retweeting.”

Claiming he had only read the first line of the message before retweeting it, Shahpal added: “I did not fully read it.

“What I have read, it did not say that his chopped off head was lying on the floor.

“A friend of mine who set up this account for me, he told me that if you do this, you are going to get more followers.”

Questioned about a further tweet which called for rapists to be stoned to death, Shahpal said it did not accord with his beliefs and he had “just copied and pasted” a message written in English “because the issue was ongoing” in Pakistan.

After Shahpal denied that he had intended to encourage terrorism, he was asked if he had realised there would be a risk that his tweets would encourage acts of terror.

Shahpal answered: “I was just posting them (tweets). I didn’t have a clue.”

Later in his evidence, asked about a tweet containing a call for someone to be “killed immediately”, Shahpal added: “My English is not that good. I just copied and pasted.”

The defendant denies two counts of encouraging others to commit, prepare, or instigate acts of terrorism, and two alternative charges of the same offence being reckless as to whether such acts would be encouraged.

The trial continues.

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Categories: Ajmal Shahpal, Birmingham, Pakistan, Samuel Paty, terrorism, Urdu

Far-right politician will be denied entry to UK, says security minister

March 20, 2023 Article

A far-right politician planning to burn a copy of the Koran during a visit to Wakefield will “not be allowed access” into the UK, the security minister has said.

Tom Tugendhat said Danish-Swedish Rasmus Paludan, the leader of the Stram Kurs party founded in 2017, has been added to the “warnings index” and will be barred from entering the country.

Mr Paludan has held several protests in which the Koran was burned, some of which have led to violent counter-protests.

In a Twitter video on Sunday, he said that he plans to burn a copy of the Islamic sacred book in a public square in the English city of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, this week to coincide with Ramadan.

Speaking in the Commons during Home Office questions, Labour MP Simon Lightwood (Wakefield) raised concerns over the potential visit and protest.

He said: “Far-right Islamophic Danish politician Rasmus Paludan said he is going to travel from Denmark to Wakefield for the sole purpose of burning a Koran in a public place.

“Mr Paludan was previously jailed in Denmark for his hateful and racist statements. He is a dangerous man that should not be allowed into this country. Can the Home Secretary assure me and my community that the Government is taking action to prevent this?”

Mr Tugendhat replied: “May I inform the House that Mr Paludan has been added to the warnings index and therefore his travel to the United Kingdom would not be conducive with the public good and he will not be allowed access.”

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Categories: Koran, Rasmus Paludin, Stram Kurs, Tom Tugendhat

ITV and Tell MAMA launch survey on mosque safety in the UK

March 15, 2023 Article

Tell MAMA has partnered with ITV News to survey the level of hate crimes targeted at mosques in the UK and to learn more about what they think would increase the safety of their faith institutions.

The short survey will ask several questions about the levels of hate crime, how it impacts staff at the mosque, the congregation and the wider community more broadly, and if they need assistance in ensuring their mosques have the security it requires in place.

Observing an uptake in reports to our service, the disproportionate numbers of Muslims in official Home Office data for religiously aggravated hate crimes alongside several high-profile incidents targeting mosques or, including allegations of an alleged far-right terror plot against a mosque in the courts this week and allegations of threats to kill worshippers, we felt it necessary to launch a new survey that coincided with the first UN International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

ITV News and Tell MAMA are working to assess the level of hate crime targeted at mosques across the UK. Please take a few minutes to fill out the following survey in confidence.

If you would like to learn more about Tell MAMA’s Safety and Security Training for Mosques, please contact: info@tellmamauk.org.

The survey is accessible here.

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Categories: hate crime, mosque, News, Survey