Man who threatened to murder worshippers and urinated on mosque jailed

August 14, 2023 Article

A racist who threatened to murder Muslim children and other worshippers and blow up a Tyneside mosque received a four-year prison sentence, the ChronicleLive newspaper reported.

The newspaper described how “race hate thug” Alexander Bolam, 33, came ‘nose-to-nose’ with a 5-year-old child outside the Heaton Mosque and threatened to murder them by making a throat-slitting gesture.

The prosecution outlined how Bolam shouted statements like “you f****** Muslims taking over my country” and “I’m going to cut your heads off, I’m going to behead you all, I’m going to blow you all up.”

We previously reported news of his court appearance last February after Bolam faced charges of racially aggravated criminal damage after Bolam had urinated on the mosque door, threats to kill, and racially aggravated common assault.

Bolam, who has 26 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the above charges, as those impacted described how his threats and abuse left a “devastating impact” on Muslims locally.

The court also heard about his anti-Muslim comments online dating from 2013.

Following our investigation, we unearthed such online materials, which included calls to join the far-right street defence movement Britain First in 2014.

A collection of historic anti-Muslim and Islamophobic comments from Alexander Bolam which included his support for the far-right Britain First.

A year earlier, he wrote about Muslim communities “slowly taking over” and that “our population” will decrease “untill their is no white man left” and called for population control. Such anti-Muslim and Islamophobic conspiracies fall within the tropes of myths of the so-called “Islamification” of Europe, which academics and the BBC have debunked and analysed over the years. In our wide-ranging 170-page report, ‘A Decade of anti-Muslim Hate,’ our researchers draw special attention to how such anti-Muslim myths percolate and, tragically, inspire terrorism and violence.

A 2017 tweet from Bolam referenced “Islam destroying us” and further support of Britain First.

The judge called Bolam’s urination on the mosque door a “filthy act of desecration” and mentioned his actions’ lasting impacts.

Following news of his jailing, Northumbria PCC Kim McGuinness tweeted: “This was a disgusting, cowardly, terrifying attack that was in part directed at children. It had a profound impact on Muslims across our region. We will continue to send a very clear message- hate crime won’t be tolerated. This behaviour won’t be tolerated.”

Alexander Bolam will also face an extended licence period of three years after serving their sentence.

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Categories: hate crime, mosque, Newcastle, News

Arrests made after arson attack on mosque in Harlow

August 9, 2023 Article

Essex Police made two arrests following an arson attack on a mosque in Harlow yesterday evening.

In a statement published on 9 August, the force confirmed that two teenage boys were arrested and held for questioning.

The statement added that the fire service’s quick actions contained any damage, with no injuries reported, after reports of a fire at the Northbrooks Mosque around 9:30 pm.

Harlow CID is, at present, treating it as racially aggravated arson.

Tell MAMA will continue to liaise with officers and offer support, providing further updates where possible.

In a statement, our Director Iman Atta made clear: “We strongly condemn the arson attack at a mosque in Harlow last night (8 August), and we thank the emergency services for their swift response and for containing any damage. Thankfully, no reports of injuries followed.

Essex Police are investigating the arson as a racially aggravated hate crime and arrested two teenage boys who continue to face questioning.

Officers have also stepped up reassurance patrols, and Tell MAMA is liaising further to assist as we endeavour to provide more updates where possible. As protocol, we will also re-issue our safety tips for mosques.”

Safety advice for mosques is available to download from our Resources section.

Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, responding to the arson and arrests, made clear: “I have personally been in consistent contact with faith and community leaders to ensure our communities feel they are safe and are being supported.

“There will continue to be a policing presence in the area throughout today and the coming days and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to please speak with those officers; they are there to help and reassure you.”

Reassurance patrols from local officers will continue throughout today.

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101, quoting incident 1253 of 8 August. Tell MAMA is happy to pass information to the police on your behalf or anonymously if requested.

 

 

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Categories: arson, Essex, Harlow, hate crime, mosque, mosques, News

Man allegedly shouted racist abuse and exposed himself outside Swindon mosque

July 31, 2023 Article

Police in Swindon arrested a man described as shouting racist abuse at worshippers outside of a mosque.

In a statement, officers attended calls on the evening of July 27 at the Jamia Mosque on Broad Street at around 8:30 pm.

After members of the public identified the suspect, the officers arrested a male on suspicion of a racially aggravated Section 4A Public Order offence, outraging public decency and an alleged indecent exposure offence.

Wiltshire Police are keen to hear from other witnesses and urging the public to come forward by calling 101 and quoting the reference 54230079138. Tell MAMA can pass information to officers on your behalf or anonymously.

The suspect remains in custody for questioning per the press release on July 28.

 

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Categories: hate crime, mosques, News, Swindon

More Politicians Need to Speak Up & Counter Anti-Muslim Hate

July 25, 2023 Article

We have just launched the most detailed study of anti-Muslim hatred in the country. It covers a decade of work supporting Muslims who have been targeted by anti-Muslim hate and with over 16,000 cases that Tell MAMA has worked on, included in the data. This covers information and material from 20,000 people in the country over a ten year period that Tell MAMA has been serving the public.

Our report details the rise and fall, trigger points, gender impacts, locations, national incidents and global actions that lead to anti-Muslim hate. The report also focuses on the lived experiences of Muslims who have been targeted by such hate. It is a resource that politicians, academics and social scientists may find useful, given the depth of the data and the ten year period covered from 2012-2022.

Sadly, few politicians and Members of Parliament have spoken out against anti-Muslim hatred and the numbers seem to be growing smaller. Whether this is because they perceive that speaking up on this issue may be politically damaging for them through the eyes of sections of their electorate, or that they may be subjected to online abuse, the fact is that this area of work does not attract the political shouting and push back that other forms of intolerance attract, with a desire to reducing them.

More than ever, at a time of financial uncertainty, politicians need to be speaking up against intolerance and those who seek to blame fellow citizens for the ills that they find or experience. Anti-Muslim hate and the tentacles of such hate need to be vociferously challenged and curtailed by policy makers who carry with them, the trust of many of their electorate. Surely saying something on this issue is the moral and right thing to do? Or are the voices who seek to paint pluralism and diversity as being dirty words, shaping the actions of political leaders through their silence? We truly hope that this is not the case.

Read more: ITN news and Tell MAMA launch survey on mosque safety in the U.K.

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Categories: Academics, anti-Muslim hate, Members of Parliament, Opinions, Parliamentarians, Policy makers, politicians

More Politicians Need to Speak Up & Counter Anti-Muslim Hate

July 25, 2023 Article

We have just launched the most detailed study of anti-Muslim hatred in the country. It covers a decade of work supporting Muslims who have been targeted by anti-Muslim hate and with over 16,000 cases that Tell MAMA has worked on, included in the data. This covers information and material from 20,000 people in the country over a ten year period that Tell MAMA has been serving the public.

Our report details the rise and fall, trigger points, gender impacts, locations, national incidents and global actions that lead to anti-Muslim hate. The report also focuses on the lived experiences of Muslims who have been targeted by such hate. It is a resource that politicians, academics and social scientists may find useful, given the depth of the data and the ten year period covered from 2012-2022.

Sadly, few politicians and Members of Parliament have spoken out against anti-Muslim hatred and the numbers seem to be growing smaller. Whether this is because they perceive that speaking up on this issue may be politically damaging for them through the eyes of sections of their electorate, or that they may be subjected to online abuse, the fact is that this area of work does not attract the political shouting and push back that other forms of intolerance attract, with a desire to reducing them.

More than ever, at a time of financial uncertainty, politicians need to be speaking up against intolerance and those who seek to blame fellow citizens for the ills that they find or experience. Anti-Muslim hate and the tentacles of such hate need to be vociferously challenged and curtailed by policy makers who carry with them, the trust of many of their electorate. Surely saying something on this issue is the moral and right thing to do? Or are the voices who seek to paint pluralism and diversity as being dirty words, shaping the actions of political leaders through their silence? We truly hope that this is not the case.

Read more: ITN news and Tell MAMA launch survey on mosque safety in the U.K.

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Categories: Academics, anti-Muslim hate, Members of Parliament, Opinions, Parliamentarians, Policy makers, politicians

ITV News & Tell MAMA mosque hate crime survey reveals scale of problem

July 21, 2023 Article

A survey in partnership between Tell MAMA and ITV News revealed that of the 117 mosques surveyed, almost 90 per cent experienced anti-Muslim hate crimes in the previous 12 months.

The goal of the survey derived from the necessity of highlighting anti-Muslim hate crimes against mosques and worshippers is a trend that has not gone away. We decided to work with ITV News to showcase what mosques need to ensure their ongoing safety – anonymous or otherwise.

The important ITV News report highlighted that forms of abuse ranged from “threatening letters, acts of violence, and in one case, having faeces smeared across their walls.”

Speaking to ITV News, Tayyab Mohiuddin described the long-term impacts the dumping of a pig’s head on the roof of their mosque, had on congregants, adding, “Someone going to that extent, to pick up a pig’s head which is forbidden for Muslims. It’s the lowest you can go.”

The survey data publication follows the publishing our new report into a decade of anti-Muslim hate in the UK, and a doubling of cases reported to our service.

A closer look at survey responses from mosques targeted included cases of bacon thrown at their buildings, or in one example, at their entrance.

Graffiti and vandalism appeared in responses, including within prayer rooms or stones thrown at windows or broken windows. In one example, someone set fire to a bin outside the mosque.

The targeted abuse towards congregants appeared in some responses from mosques as others described one case of racist chanting to slurs of ‘paedo’ or ‘terrorist’.

Hate mail, including, as one mosque described, included an “Islamophobic, anti-refugee leaflet”, as other respondents spoke of an online component – with some receiving violent threats over email. Nor has the far-right threat diminished, with a few mosques describing agitations.

The threat increased around the holy month of Ramadan, with 29 mosques agreeing that they experienced more hate crime and abuse, as a vast majority of the examples cited included increased verbal abuse, harassment, and anti-social behaviour.

Of the 117 responses, thirty mosques reported hate crimes to the police, and of that figure, thirteen mosques received satisfactory outcomes or found those responsible, with similar numbers reporting that police had not found those responsible.

Almost one in 5 mosques surveyed hold sessions around hate crime and security throughout the year.

Just over a fifth of survey respondents had not applied for the government-funded protective security schemes for places of worship, as a small number of respondents (n=6) declared that they were ‘unsure’ how to apply, as four mosques had confirmed funding applications.

Faith institutions that have experienced a hate crime (religious and racial) or feel vulnerable to hate crime can apply online. Applicants can include evidence like police crime references and community impact statements from worshippers, including how they feel (think anecdotes or surveys).

Tell MAMA continues to provide support to applicants across all faiths and encourages those interested in applying but in need of further assistance to email info@tellmamauk.org

 

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Categories: hate crime, mosque, mosques, News

Family threatened and told, “You f****** Muslims, go back to your country” in Epping

May 17, 2023 Article

Essex Police is investigating the targeting of a Muslim family in Epping after they faced racist abuse and threats from a motorcyclist on the high street.

Wishing to remain anonymous, one of the family members described the perpetrator singled them out on the street, perceiving that one of their young family members had gotten too close to their motorcycle, which was stationary on the high street.

That family member, who wears the hijab, described to our Casework Team how the man yelled, “This is an expensive bike, not your f******* prayer mat. You f****** Muslims, go back to your country”.

He continued to shout at the family, “You f****** immigrants,” and other hateful comments, before wildly swinging his motorcycle helmet at them, including at some of the young children present, adding that he intimidated and scared them by revving his motorcycle engine.

The family were able to call the police and safely photograph and film the perpetrator – evidence which is now with the police, who are also reviewing CCTV footage from the high street.

Tell MAMA continues to provide additional support to them, including a referral to our counselling service, as the traumatic incident has meant that one of the family members now fears walking the high street alone.

She described the perpetrator as a white male in his mid-to-late forties or early fifties, confirming that the racist abuse began around 5:30 pm GMT on May 14.

Get advice from our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Alternatively, please leave us a WhatsApp message at 0734 184 6086.

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Categories: Epping, Essex police, hate crime, Hijab, News

28 year prison sentence for racist who tried to kill Muslim security guard in Essex

April 6, 2023 Article

A racist who slashed the throat of a Muslim security guard in Braintree, Essex, received a 28-year prison sentence for attempted murder.

Geoffrey Ryan, 53, who was drinking at The Lounge in Market Square last September, became aggressive towards other customers, and when two security staff approached him at 9 pm that evening, he targeted them with anti-Muslim remarks.

By 9:30 pm, as Essex Police detailed, a group of women reported Ryan’s harassment, and after security intervened again, Geoffrey Ryan made more anti-Muslim remarks and threw his drink over the security staff’s colleague.

The Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo reported that Ryan made death threats towards the staff and flicked a cigarette towards them.

After staff removed a hooded Ryan from the premises, he returned to the town centre, driving a Seat Ibiza and waiting in a supermarket car park before he walked to the pub, approached the security guard, and used a razor to slash their neck.

Police emphasised that the sheer level of violence almost resulted in murder, leaving the Muslim man with life-changing injuries, surviving thanks to the quick actions of police and other emergency services.

Charges against Ryan included attempted murder and racially aggravated harassment.

Judge David Turner KC said: “I am completely satisfied it had a significant and disturbing anti-Muslim flavour,” the Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo added in their sentencing coverage.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Lydia George of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “Ryan showed clear intention to kill the victim. He is undoubtedly a very dangerous individual and, today, justice was served for the victim and his family.

“This incident continues to have a lasting impact on the victim, but it is no exaggeration to say we could very easily have been investigating a murder. The wound was just millimetres from being fatal.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Categories: Essex, hate crime, News

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

Statement: why we must continue standing together against anti-Muslim hate and bias

March 15, 2023 Article

On the fourth anniversary of the white supremacist terror attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand which claimed the lives of 51 Muslims and on the second International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Tell MAMA Director Iman Atta has issued this statement.

Today marks the first International Day to Combat Islamophobia – a United Nations initiative that began in 2021, two years after a white supremacist terrorist murdered 51 Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand.

With any anniversary, we stop to honour and remember those lost and those living with injuries and traumas.

We also stop to reflect on how, in the spirit of mutuality, we, as individuals and groups, can change the conditions in society for the betterment of Muslims and other minorities.

For the UN Secretary-General António Guterres to “stamp out the poison of anti-Muslim hatred”, we must re-assert our common ground and our common humanity in opposition to those who seek to divide. The inaugural launch of this day in 2021 saw links between rising anti-Muslim hatred globally with a “resurgence in ethnonationalism, neo-Nazism, stigma and hate speech targeting vulnerable populations including Muslims, Jews, some minority Christian communities”.

Secretary-General Guterres recognises that anti-Muslim hatred is not just an interpersonal bias or form of violence but a structural problem, “Beyond structural, institutional discrimination and the wholesale stigmatization of Muslim communities, Muslims suffer personal attacks, hateful rhetoric, and scapegoating,” with Muslim women facing a triple prejudicial penalty (gender, ethnicity and faith).

At Tell MAMA, our work prioritises the support and care of Muslim communities – with holistic support,  advocacy and access to free counselling services amongst other services. We prioritise and centre the voices of those we support; inform government, civil society and others about the issue and advocate for change; challenge bystanders to do more and stand up for others; and let our research bridge the gaps between theoretical ideas and the real-world impacts anti-Muslim hate has on society, within the UK but also beyond.

Let’s collectively work to stamp out and challenge anti-Muslim hate and bias where we see it – on our streets, inside our institutions, online and beyond.

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Categories: hate crime, News, Opinions, statement