Report: British Muslims under siege

A new study has shown that Muslim people and Mosques endure higher levels of threats and intimidation in UK suburbs and market towns than they do in big cities with a more diverse range of people.

Demonstrating that multiculturalism works the study reveals case studies where Muslim women are reluctant to contact the police after physical violence indicating there is a hidden wave of prejudice against Muslim people that wider society doesn’t acknowledge.

The report is part of a ten year academic research project led by the University of Exeter’s European Muslim Research Centre (EMRC). The study captures a startling insight into experiences which aren’t often reflected by the media or fully understood by British lawmakers. The research also integrates an academic approach to highlighting world events and policy data that inform the way reactions toward Muslims can be influenced.

Since the terror attacks of September 11th 2001 the findings show that attacks, arson, criminal damage, violence and intimidation against Mosques has increased dramatically. Smaller Muslim communities in places such as Colchester, and Bishop Stortford have become especially vulnerable.

Dr Jonathan Githens Mazer, co-director of the EMRC, said: “Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime are very real problems for British Muslims going about their everyday business.

”Through our research we have found that in smaller and more isolated mosques in many suburbs and market towns there is a feeling of being under siege. Some local councils who are made aware of the situation say to mosque officials, ‘we can see this is bad, why don’t you move the mosque?”’

Githens’ colleague Dr Bob Lambert commented further saying:

”Whereas, because the war on terror is viewed as a security risk, Muslims do not have the support that is now widely accepted in other areas of hate crime. Muslims are not requesting special treatment, just equal rights with their fellow citizens.”

Commenting on the study Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles had the following to say:

“This type of behaviour is deplorable and we want to stop anyone who creates distrust and division in communities - wherever it is. Everyone has the right to go about their daily business without fear of harm or intimidation.

”We want Britain to become an integrated society, where everyone participates and people are not held back by discrimination and intolerance.”