Man who called bus driver a ‘terrorist’ and ‘Hamas’ found guilty of hate crime

November 1, 2023 Article

A man who called a bus driver a ‘terrorist’ and ‘Hamas’ will appear again in court on November 27 after pleading guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence.

Hardy Jalloh, 34, targeted the bus driver whilst aboard a 116 bus on Staines Road in Feltham, west London, on October 26.

A press release from the Metropolitan police confirmed that charges against Jalloh followed a day after his arrest.

Charges concerned a Section 4A offence under the Public Order Act, a racially aggravated offence under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act (1998), and possession of cannabis, the press release confirmed.

Having pleaded guilty to all offences at West London Magistrates’ Court on October 28, the judge granted Jalloh bail until his next court date on November 27 for sentencing.

The Met also confirmed that it has made over 70 arrests related to hate crimes in the capital for “offences relating to the Israel/Hamas conflict,” the force confirmed, adding that officers are also providing more high visibility patrols, whilst working with partners and communities to ensure they feel safe.

Chief Inspector Stephen Warnes, who led the investigation, said: “We will not tolerate any form of hate crime, or tolerate anyone inciting violence.

“We continue to work alongside our colleagues at Transport for London (TfL) to ensure their staff and Londoner’s can go about life without suffering abusive behaviour.”

The Met has recorded alarming rises in reports of hate crime offences against Muslim and Jewish communities in recent weeks – with London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan posting on October 30: “This weekend we saw some horrendous examples of antisemitism and Islamophobia both in our city and across the globe.

Let me be clear: London has zero tolerance for hate. We must not allow events overseas to divide us and lead to hatred.”

The Community Security Trust recorded over 500 antisemitic incidents in London alone following Hamas’s deadly terror attacks on October 7.

Tell MAMA published our latest figures that confirmed a seven-fold increase in anti-Muslim cases between October 7 and October 29 – of the 515 anti-Muslim cases, 155 occurred in London.

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Categories: Hamas, Israel Palestine, London, MET Police, News, TFL

515 anti-Muslim cases reported to Tell MAMA between Oct 7-29

October 31, 2023 Article

Tell MAMA logged 515 anti-Muslim cases between October 7 and October 29 – a seven-fold increase over the same period last year (where we received 73 cases).

Of the 515 cases, 247 cases happened offline – with 177 cases of abusive behaviour, 25 threats, 24 assaults, 13 cases of vandalism, 11 acts of discrimination, 12 cases of hate speech and 5 examples of anti-Muslim literature.

Cases occurred in areas like London (155), North West (26), Lancashire (6), South Yorkshire (7), West Yorkshire (12), East Midlands (9) and West Midlands (13), South East (4), South West (5), North East (6), Wales (2), Scotland (2).

In the online world, Tell MAMA received 268 cases.

Like all Tell MAMA cases, the figures are subject to further revision and analysis.

LinkedIn removed a dehumanising, anti-Muslim post that called Muslims an ‘infestation’ in a rant that also contained white supremacist language after Tell MAMA flagged it. We also filed a report with the Metropolitan Police to investigate further.

Broader anti-Muslim narratives on social media platforms like Twitter/X link Muslims to terrorism as far-right accounts push securitisation narratives about Muslim women in calls to ban articles of religious clothing.

We are concerned about the targeting of Muslim communities at major transport hubs, including rail networks who faced targeted abuse, harassment and threats in recent weeks, especially during evenings and weekends. We urge communities to keep our tailored safety advice on trains in mind which we created in partnership with British Transport Police.

The hate crime investigation into the shocking targeting of the Oxford Mosque and Islamic Cultural Society on 28 October with a petrol can thrown into its car park is ongoing. Tell MAMA is liaising with Thames Valley Police. Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 43230484992. We can also do this on your behalf or anonymously.

Some shocking cases flagged with us made headlines in the media alongside spikes in cases including coverage in LBC, the Evening Standard and the Financial Times.

Previous bulletins highlighted broader anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian abuse, harassment, vandalism and violence.

Further notes:

We have safety advice in both English and Arabic – and urge Muslim communities to remain vigilant when out and about.

Our counselling service is there for anyone in need. If you would like to access the service or find out more about it, e-mail us at counselling@tellmamauk.org

In any emergency, dial 999.

 

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Categories: hate, Israel Palestine, News

Anti-Muslim cases to Tell MAMA triple in 6 days – an update

October 12, 2023 Article

Tell MAMA is deeply concerned with the rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK and rising anti-Muslim cases to our service in recent days following Hamas’s deadly terror attacks on October 7 and the ongoing painful repercussions for Palestinians and Israelis.

The nature of many offline cases sent to our service is often overtly racist – targeting Arab and Palestinian communities with dehumanising slurs, anti-Muslim slurs or in some cases targeting their homes, or when speaking Arabic in public, as well as targeting Asian and Muslim communities.

For example, a Palestinian Muslim family had “Killers Terrorists” daubed on their front door.

Other cases see individuals called “bloodthirsty” and “terrorists” or in the online world, Muslims are described collectively as “terrorists” amidst calls for “mass deportations”. In one such online case, a Sussex-based individual who self-identifies as being on the far-right called for violent “resistance” against Muslim communities on Twitter/X. Such language places all Muslims into tropes that dehumanise them and which foment hatred towards them through this dehumanising language. This is not acceptable and Tell MAMA will work with victims who are targeted by this language to seek relief or support.

The following cases came into Tell MAMA between October 7th and October 12th.

37 offline cases (3 assaults, 7 threatening behaviour and 27 cases of abusive behaviour). Cases occurred in areas like London, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Derby and Birmingham.

61 online cases – a majority of which contained dehumanising anti-Muslim language and tropes, equating communities with terrorism and violence.

For comparison, in the same time period last year, (between October 7th and October 12th 2022), we recorded 30 cases.

Tell MAMA received 10 cases last week (October 1 to October 6, seven of which occurred offline).

The numbers remain, like all Tell MAMA cases, subject to further revision and analysis, and are intended to demonstrate the rise our service recorded this week.

Speaking on this sharp rise in reported cases, the Director of Tell MAMA, Iman Atta OBE said: “This rise in anti-Muslim sentiment is deeply worrying. We know that the Community Security Trust is also demonstrating a sharp rise in antisemitism and this shows that what happens in the Middle East, has real consequences and impacts for communities in the UK.

I urge people who have been targeted by anti-Muslim hate to report to us so that they do not suffer in silence. We should never allow such hatred and intolerance to take root in our communities and at this time, please look out for each other, whether Muslim or Jewish. We must stand together against intolerance, hate and racism.”

Further notes:

Furthermore, Lancashire Police are investigating the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed mosque in Barnoldswick on Sunday afternoon, as a man shouting “Islamic f****** scumbags” occurred in Rossendale on October 11.

With Hate Crime Awareness Week 2023 beginning tomorrow, we will continue to challenge all forms of racism and hate, promote mutuality and support, and why it is so crucial to report cases.

We have safety advice in both English and Arabic – and urge Muslim communities to remain vigilant when out and about.

In any emergency, dial 999.

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Categories: Antisemitism, hate crime, Israel Palestine, News

Anti-Muslim cases to Tell MAMA triple in 6 days – an update

October 12, 2023 Article

Tell MAMA is deeply concerned with the rise in antisemitic incidents in the UK and rising anti-Muslim cases to our service in recent days following Hamas’s deadly terror attacks on October 7 and the ongoing painful repercussions for Palestinians and Israelis.

The nature of many offline cases sent to our service is often overtly racist – targeting Arab and Palestinian communities with dehumanising slurs, anti-Muslim slurs or in some cases targeting their homes, or when speaking Arabic in public, as well as targeting Asian and Muslim communities.

For example, a Palestinian Muslim family had “Killers Terrorists” daubed on their front door.

Other cases see individuals called “bloodthirsty” and “terrorists” or in the online world, Muslims are described collectively as “terrorists” amidst calls for “mass deportations”. In one such online case, a Sussex-based individual who self-identifies as being on the far-right called for violent “resistance” against Muslim communities on Twitter/X. Such language places all Muslims into tropes that dehumanise them and which foment hatred towards them through this dehumanising language. This is not acceptable and Tell MAMA will work with victims who are targeted by this language to seek relief or support.

The following cases came into Tell MAMA between October 7th and October 12th.

37 offline cases (3 assaults, 7 threatening behaviour and 27 cases of abusive behaviour). Cases occurred in areas like London, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Derby and Birmingham.

61 online cases – a majority of which contained dehumanising anti-Muslim language and tropes, equating communities with terrorism and violence.

For comparison, in the same time period last year, (between October 7th and October 12th 2022), we recorded 30 cases.

Tell MAMA received 10 cases last week (October 1 to October 6, seven of which occurred offline).

The numbers remain, like all Tell MAMA cases, subject to further revision and analysis, and are intended to demonstrate the rise our service recorded this week.

Speaking on this sharp rise in reported cases, the Director of Tell MAMA, Iman Atta OBE said: “This rise in anti-Muslim sentiment is deeply worrying. We know that the Community Security Trust is also demonstrating a sharp rise in antisemitism and this shows that what happens in the Middle East, has real consequences and impacts for communities in the UK.

I urge people who have been targeted by anti-Muslim hate to report to us so that they do not suffer in silence. We should never allow such hatred and intolerance to take root in our communities and at this time, please look out for each other, whether Muslim or Jewish. We must stand together against intolerance, hate and racism.”

Further notes:

Furthermore, Lancashire Police are investigating the dumping of a pig’s head at a proposed mosque in Barnoldswick on Sunday afternoon, as a man shouting “Islamic f****** scumbags” occurred in Rossendale on October 11.

With Hate Crime Awareness Week 2023 beginning tomorrow, we will continue to challenge all forms of racism and hate, promote mutuality and support, and why it is so crucial to report cases.

We have safety advice in both English and Arabic – and urge Muslim communities to remain vigilant when out and about.

In any emergency, dial 999.

The post Anti-Muslim cases to Tell MAMA triple in 6 days – an update appeared first on TELL MAMA.

Categories: Antisemitism, hate crime, Israel Palestine, 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

Woman guilty of assaulting taxi driver and shouting ‘Go back to Pakistan’

June 30, 2023 Article

A woman who punched a taxi driver in the face and shouted that they should “go back to Pakistan” will face sentencing next month.

The Bucks Free Press reported that 22-year-old Nicole Kupaza was guilty of one count of racially aggravated assault after the jury rejected her claim of self-defence.

An earlier report stated that the assault occurred on Christmas Eve at Tiplow train station last year.

The prosecution outlined how Ms Kupaza had approached the taxi office operated by Mohammed Malik and had requested that she wait outside so he could speak with another customer, as she lacked any financial means to book a taxi.

For the prosecution, they described how Ms Kupaza, having assaulted Mr Malik, had also shouted, “Go back to Pakistan,” and similar abusive statements.

Nicole Kupaza, whilst accepting she did assault them, had told police she had acted in self-defence and faced racist abuse in trial coverage published on June 22.

The Law Pages court listings website detailed that the prosecution had made their closing arguments the following day on June 23.

More broadly, Tell MAMA provides taxi drivers and taxi firms with tailored support and advice via our Safety, Security & Beyond scheme, which sits within the existing support structures of our service.

Kupaza will re-appear at Reading Crown Court for sentencing on July 27.

Are you a taxi driver or taxi firm interested in our support scheme? Please email info@tellmamauk.org to register interest and for further information.

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Categories: hate crime, News, taxi driver

Appeal following racist attack on street near Islamic and Christian centres in Harlow

May 19, 2023 Article

Police in Harlow, Essex, are appealing for information following a racist assault on a street near an Islamic centre on Parringdon Road on May 14, just before 5 pm.

Parringdon Road is close to local Islamic and Christian centres, but it is unclear if the person attacked belonged to either faith group.

EssexLive added that the person attacked faced racist abuse from a group of young people who gave them a reason to stop their car before the assault occurred.

Inspector Natalie Rooney, Harlow Community Policing Team, who leads the investigation, said: “Officers from my community policing team are investigating this incident and supporting the victim.

“We take reports of hate crimes very seriously and we will not tolerate this behaviour within Harlow. “We will continue to work with our communities to stamp out this behaviour and bring offenders to justice. I would ask anyone who has information that could help our enquiry, to contact us.”

In a statement, the local council condemned the ‘cowardly’ racist attack, offering their support and stating that reassurance patrols would increase in the area.

The statement read: “We are concerned by the reports of a racially aggravated assault on Paringdon Road on Sunday 14 May.

“This was a cowardly act, and such attacks have no place in our town.

“Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this incident. Our Community Safety team is stepping up patrols in the area to reassure the community.”

Anyone with information can call 101, quoting incident reference 42/87024/23 or online. Tell MAMA can pass information to the police on your behalf or anonymously.

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Categories: Essex, hate crime, News

Man threatened to shoot Muslim woman and their child during bus tirade

January 27, 2023 Article

A Muslim woman, travelling on a bus from Kennington in south London with their young child, was threatened with being shot and called a ‘terrorist’ by men after they targeted another Muslim woman who also wears the hijab.

The women both wore hijabs and faced the indignity of being called terrorists and told to “go back home”.

Speaking to Tell MAMA and wishing to maintain anonymity, they described boarding the 133 bus before noticing the abuse but worried about intervening because of their young child.

The perpetrators, who sat opposite them, turned their attention to them, echoing the abuse directed at the other Muslim woman on November 26, 2022.

Despite telling them to “go away,” the abuse continued, as other passengers did nothing to intervene, nor did the driver stop despite her requests after one of the men threatened to ‘shoot’ them.

She added that she had hoped to capture images or videos of the perpetrators but felt unable and fearful to do so as the threatening behaviour escalated as they edged closer to her and their child.

A police investigation followed, but it was closed following a failure to identify those responsible or other witnesses coming forward.

The case closing had a double impact: a feeling of being let down by the authorities and an added caution about taking that route or other public transport.

Tell MAMA continues to educate members of the public about the importance of meaningful solidarity and safely intervening when racist, anti-Muslim, and Islamophobic hate crimes or harassment occur. For example, offering to contact the police on their behalf (if they agree to it), speaking to those impacted and providing them with reassurance or distracting attention away from the perpetrator(s), and if safe to do so, challenging the perpetrator(s) and using a phone to photograph or film the incident to share with authorities.

Academics have long explored the impacts of gendered anti-Muslim abuse and Islamophobia in academic spaces, on streets and in other public spaces – online or offline.

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: bus, hate crime, Hijab, London, News, shoot, TFL

Racist jailed for abusing and assaulting stewards and police during England friendly

December 12, 2022 Article

A racist who viciously assaulted and abused stewards and police officers during England’s pre-World Cup friendly with Switzerland at Wembley received a 13-month prison sentence.

Jack Scotter, 27, from Plumstead, appeared at Harrow Crown Court on Friday (December 9) and pleaded guilty to four counts of racially aggravated common assault and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police detailed how, when ejected from the game on March 26, 2022, a drunken Scotter subjected stewards to racist abuse before subjecting them to violence – spitting, punching, kicking and headbutting them.

When officers attended the scene, Jack Scotter spat in the eye of an officer before assaulting another officer by headbutting them.

Following Scotter’s jailing, the unit of the Metropolitan Police that deals with policing football tweeted: “As those of us lucky enough to have an evening off work look forward to England’s World Cup Quarter Final against France, one football supporter will be spending his first full day in prison after being convicted of racist violence during a pre-tournament friendly at Wembley”.

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Categories: hate crime, Metropolitan Police, News

Twitter suspends another white supremacist after Tell MAMA investigation

December 8, 2022 Article

Twitter suspended a white supremacist account a week after Tell MAMA flagged several of their racist tweets.

Tell MAMA remains a trusted flagger on the platform, despite raising concerns previously about the potential direction it may take under the ownership of Elon Musk – owing to concerns about increased racism and hate on platform (which Musk denies).

Tell MAMA received an update today (December 8) confirming the account suspension following our initial reporting on December 1, 2022.

A member of the public flagged the @NoballsBobby weeks earlier, concerned about its racist targeting of the UK’s first minority ethnic prime minister Rishi Sunak, its promotion of Enoch Powell and anti-Muslim conspiracies about a so-called “Islamic takeover” of the Home Office.

Other racialised memes and tropes flagged to us had linked Muslims and refugees broadly to criminality, rape, and child sexual exploitation.
Twitter removed the above examples for breaching its policies on hateful conduct, which cumulatively resulted in a permanent account suspension.

Chillingly, the account propagated the racist conspiracy of a so-called “white genocide” – ideas that inspired various acts of white supremacist terror and violence.

Credit: Twitter.com

This is the second example in recent weeks of how we helped remove high-profile white supremacists from the platform – we previously reported on the suspension of an account that praised the Dover terrorist Andrew Leak.

When reporting such harmful and hateful materials, Twitter allows users to add additional context (280 characters) that might help explain why it breaches such policies. Twitter, however, cautions that it will “guarantee that we’ll take action based on the info provided here” – but it is a step we encourage users to consider when reporting. In addition, as a third party, Tell MAMA is happy to take this step if requested.

The option to add additional context appears towards the end of the reporting form when done via Twitter’s API.

Twitter also provides a more detailed reporting form via its website, allowing individuals to add more context than the API platform allows.

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: News, White Supremacy