The Rise of Fear: Far-Right Extremists and the Spread of Islamophobia in the UK
Islamophobia is not a new concept as it was popularized by the end of 1990s and gain momentum in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001 (9/11). This term can be defined as discrimination, fear and hatred against Muslims, Religion of Islam or the practitioners of Islam. It can also be seen through the lens of Xenophobia which is the fear of Foreigners.
Since decades Muslim diaspora in Western Countries suffering due to racism, Anti-Muslim sentiments and hatred against them. Even today, the Far-Right extremist groups mainly in cities of England and Northern Ireland are protesting against the Muslims in which several including Policemen are injured as protestors throw bricks, bottles and chairs on them. The migrants and Muslims are fearful and unable to go to Mosques.
BACKGROUND:
Muslims hatred and Anti-Muslim cases pop up by the end of 2023 in aftermath of Hamas Attack. In February 2024 it was reported that Muslim hate has more than triple in 4 Months from October 2023 to February 2024. Tell Mama which supports the victims of Anti-Muslim hate, reported in a document that 2010 Islamophobic Incidents took place from 7 October to 7 February, which is a rise from 600 as reported last year. It is concluded as the largest number since 2011. According to Tell Mama half of the cases were over hate speech following Israel Palestine conflict.
But unfortunately 576 cases have been recorded of Physical assault, vandalism, threats and Abusive behavior in London. Two out of every three incidents is against Muslim Women. The organization recorded that the Muslim Woman who was wearing Muslim attire, assaulted in the bus and alleged to be a trouble maker Muslim. There are numerous cases of Muslim Women being called terrorist. Written death threats are given to people in Mosques. People are called killers, Hamas sympathizers and Terrorist even when walking on the streets. The reason is obviously Islamophobia and Xenophobia. But Terrorism is not related to any Religion as no religion preaches to become terrorist and kill the innocents. This is something which is attached to Muslims forcibly.
REASON BEHIND RIOTS:
On 29th of July, 2024, a Tylor Swift themed dance and Yoga workshop was happening at a community center in England, in which reportedly 3 young girls were stabbed to death, eight other Children and 2 adults were also injured. The suspect is a 17 years old Axel Rudakubana who is a Christian born to Rwandan Family. But false news was circulated on social media that he belongs to Muslim Immigrants and his name is Ali Al Shakati.
A day after this attack and spread of false information the Far-Right extremist group started riots and violence in Southport. The groups attack a local Mosque with bricks and bottles in which many of the police officers were injured. Due to these incidents Muslim Women who wear head covers or Hijab are afraid to leave their homes as those with Muslim attire are their easy Target. Men are unable to go to Mosque as extremists can attack Mosque anytime.
GOVERNMENT RESPONSE:
The home office of UK announced a security scheme for Mosques and introduced “Rapid Response”. According to the police, locals and Mosques can ask for rapid security if needed and it will be deployed in order to protect the communities. The newly elected Prime Minister of UK Keir Starmer said that this is not a protest despite whatever their motivation is.
He added that it is pure violence and they will not tolerate attack on Mosques or Muslim communities. He also said that a standing army of trained police officers has to be ready to be deployed to support local communities. The PM slams them as “Far-Right Thugs”.
The writer is an MPhil scholar at Kinnaird College for Women, with keen interest in strategic and peace studies.
