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SearchToday in Islamophobia: In the United Kingdom, a recent survey focusing on British Muslims finds that 92% feel “much less safe” as a result of the violent anti-Muslim riots, meanwhile a key advisor to the King on race relations warns Britain is experiencing a “brain drain” of talented middle-class Muslims due to rising Islamophobia, and in the United States, the Indian Muslims of North America withdrew its float from New York City’s annual India Day Parade on Sunday following controversy over the inclusion of a float they say shows anti-Muslim bias. Our recommended read of the day is by Jacqui Wakefield and Shruti Menon for the BBC on how far-right influencers in India are sharing false videos and misinformation regarding the situation in Bangladesh claiming that “Islamist radicals” are targeting Hindus in the country. This and more below:
International
Far-right spreads false claims about Muslim attacks in Bangladesh | Recommended Read
The videos are shocking: buildings burning, horrifying violence and women weeping as they plead for help. They are - the people sharing them say - proof of a “Hindu genocide” happening in Bangladesh in the wake of the sudden fall of the country’s long-time leader, Sheikh Hasina. Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who uses the name Tommy Robinson – a British far-right activist who has been criticised for making inflammatory posts during the UK riots – has got involved, sharing videos along with dark warnings. But we found that many of the videos and claims shared online are false. While reports on the ground have found violence and looting impacted Hindu people and properties, far-right influencers in neighbouring India shared false videos and information that gave a misleading view of the events. They claimed to show communal violence against Hindus purportedly carried out by “Islamist radicals” with a violent agenda. One viral post claimed to show a temple set on fire by “Islamists in Bangladesh”. However, BBC Verify has determined that this building, identified as the Navagraha Temple in Chittagong, was undamaged by the incident which actually occurred at a nearby Awami League party office. read the complete article
United Kingdom
After the riots, Keir Starmer should tell us the truth about our country. This is why he won’t
Far-right thuggery. Marauding mobs. The prime minister’s descriptions of those who brought one of the worst episodes of violence on to the country’s streets captured their actions, but not their motivations or origins. Where did the rioters come from? Why now? Why are they attacking those they are attacking? If many people in this country are now, in Keir Starmer’s words feeling “targeted because of the colour of your skin, or your faith”, how does such a colossal violation come about, and how will it be addressed? The only answers we have been given treat the problem as one of security, of a troublesome minority who “do not represent” the country, and which will be stamped out by a heavy security response and prison sentences. A freak event triggered by the Southport stabbings. And that’s that. But it will not be that. Because that minority reflects, and draws on, decades of racism, Islamophobia and anti-immigration rhetoric and policy broadcast by parts of the rightwing media, the Conservative party and the Labour party itself. Those years will not be swept aside by a policing crackdown. And their legacy will not, more importantly, be dismantled without its narratives being taken on and confronted. What he should say is that this is a country that for too long has allowed the most small-minded, parochial, cynical and mendacious parties to dictate who we are allowed to be. That there is another country, exemplified by those who turned up against far-right violence spontaneously, that has been forbidden from expressing its truth and texture in our politics, policies and discourse. That immigration is in fact a quotidian reality, a question already settled through the peaceful merging, blending and cross-pollination of millions of people over not just the past century, but throughout Britain’s history as a territory. That “concerns” about immigration are not to be pandered to, that promises to reduce it, and even actually reducing it, will never be enough. That even Brexit and the end of free movement did not mollify those in search of perpetual grievance. And yes, that racism is behind many of those concerns, an undeniable fact now that they have been manifested in attacks on Muslims and people of colour. That Islamophobia is a real, powerful threat to social cohesion, one that has passed without condemnation or consequence in the highest offices of the land, and which now must finally be confronted. He will not say it, because Starmer’s weakest feature is his inability to paint a rousing vision of our modern country. read the complete article
‘How the Conservative Party Helped Cause the Riots and why Their Islamophobic Rhetoric Won’t Change’
There is no doubt that the actions of the most senior members of the Conservative Party have encouraged the riots by right-wing racist thugs that we saw recently in the UK. That encouragement was not some unavoidable consequence of legitimate policy positions, but through actions or words that Conservative politicians could have avoided without changing policies. Yet ironically, these riots during a leadership election give the party a unique opportunity to turn a page and turn their back on Farage-type populism. The signs are they will not take that opportunity. Attacks by right-wing thugs on hotels housing asylum seekers can be directly linked to the decision by the last Conservative Government to call those refugees that come to the UK by small boats from France “illegal”, and their failure to process asylum claims quickly. Attacks on mosques reflect the Conservative party tolerating, even at the most senior level within the party, Islamophobic language. The 2021 Nationality and Borders Act, introduced by Priti Patel, criminalised those who arrived in the UK without authorisation even if they subsequently claimed asylum. From that point on, Conservative politicians almost without exception referred to anyone crossing the Channel in small boats as illegal migrants, and much of the media followed suit. read the complete article
UK judge tells Muslim man jailed for fighting back against rioters to 'rise above' racism
A young Muslim man in the south-west English city of Plymouth has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for throwing cans at far-right rioters who had hurled alcohol at him. Amer Walid, 24, had no previous convictions and was attacked by members of a far-right mob as they clashed with an anti-racist rally on Monday 5 August. The incident was part of a wave of racially fuelled and Islamophobic rioting across the country. Walid told the court on Thursday that rioters, chanting racist slurs, threw a bottle or can of alcohol at him - which angered him, since he doesn’t drink due to his Islamic beliefs. Walid then retaliated by throwing cans at rioters. Judge Robert Linford said he accepted Walid had not been “looking for trouble” and that rioters “had been throwing missiles” and making “deeply offensive racist chants”. But he sentenced Walid to 20 months in prison, telling him: “What you should have done was rise above their simply obnoxious racism." read the complete article
UK faces 'brain drain' of talented Muslims amid rising Islamophobia, warns King's adviser
Britain is experiencing a “brain drain” of talented middle-class Muslims due to rising Islamophobia, according to Harris Bokhari, a key adviser to the King on race relations. In a report by The Times on Friday, Bokhari highlighted growing concerns within the Muslim community following recent riots and attacks on mosques, leading many to feel unsafe and unwelcome in the country. Bokhari, who has advised both the royal family and government, revealed that he and his family have considered leaving the country, despite his deep love for Britain. He noted that many skilled professionals, including doctors and healthcare workers, have already left or are considering leaving. The charity Tell Mama, which tracks anti-Muslim hate, reported 500 incidents, including death threats and vandalism targeting mosques and Islamic centres. Iman Atta, Tell Mama’s director, warned that the idea of leaving Britain is no longer a “fringe thought” among Muslims. read the complete article
Labour ‘incapable of tackling racism and Islamophobia’ amid far-right violence, warns NEC member
The Labour government is incapable of tackling racism and Islamophobia effectively, a member of its own national committee has claimed in the wake of widespread race riots. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Labour’s National Executive Committee member Mish Rahman has criticised Sir Keir Starmer for his failure to categorise the attacks as “terrorism”. He claimed the reluctance to label the violence as an act of terrorism reveals a troubling double standard, adding: “It suggests to me that it is terrorism when only committed by a Muslim. Language matters.” This view was echoed by Britain’s former head of counter-terrorism Neil Basu, who warned that the worst far-right violence seen during riots across the country should be treated as terrorism during the start of the disorder. read the complete article
Impact of far-right riots on Muslims revealed in poll as 92% feel less safe living in the UK
Many Muslims feel less safe living in the UK after far-right rioters targetted mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, a poll has revealed. The survey commissioned by Muslim Census, a data organisation focusing on Muslims and ethnic minorities, found 92 per cent feel “much less safe” as a result of the violent disorder. The poll, conducted between 5-6 August with a panel of 1,519 participants from various backgrounds, reported one in six people have personally experienced racist attacks since the riots began on 30 July, while two in three people witnessed one. Verbal attacks are the most commonly faced by Muslims with 28 per cent followed by 16 per cent recording abuse online. Four per cent said they had experienced a physical attack in the weeks since the disorder. Mosques around the country have advised worshippers to take safety measures including refraining from traveling alone, avoid leaving their homes after sunset and consider traveling in groups to “avoid being a target”, Leicester Islamic Centre announced. The polling expert fears racism cases and widespread security concerns have now increased even more and argued the “shocking spike in Islamophobia” is not an isolated incident. read the complete article
MP COLUMN: Racism and Islamophobia is not welcome in our town
Just over two weeks ago, three innocent little girls were killed in a senseless attack in Southport. My heart breaks for them, their parents and loved ones. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and heartache they are feeling. As the community came together to mourn, it was unforgivable for far-right thugs to hijack what should have been a peaceful vigil for Alice, Bebe and Elsie. Resulting in attacks on police, on a local mosque and vehicles set on fire. Spurred on by hatred whipped up online, disorder broke out across the country. Threatening communities simply because of the colour of their skin, the country they were born or the religion they follow. Let me be clear. Violent thuggery and criminal disorder on our streets will not be tolerated. Those intent on stoking disorder, division and hatred are not welcome in our communities and they do not speak for our town. Racism and Islamophobia is not welcome in our town. read the complete article
United States
Indian American Muslim group cancels parade participation amid float controversy
A group representing Indian American Muslims has withdrawn its float from New York City’s annual India Day Parade on Sunday following controversy over the inclusion of a float they say shows anti-Muslim bias. Imtiaz Siamwalla, the president of Indian Muslims of North America sent a letter to parade organizers Saturday, notifying them of the decision. Siamwalla told CNN the group intended to join the annual celebration along Madison Avenue in Manhattan but decided to rescind its participation after failing to convince parade organizers to not include the controversial float. The float in question was announced several days prior to the parade and depicts a replica of Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir – a Hindu temple built on top of the ruins of a 16th century Babri mosque, which was destroyed by Hindu nationalists in 1992. The destruction of the mosque triggered riots across the country in which more than 2,000 people were killed, CNN previously reported. “We were very much looking forward to participating but learning that there is going to be a float that has a replica of the Ram temple, we think that this is a symbol of bias against Muslims,” Siamwalla said. “The politics that take place in India should stay in India,” he added. “Once you come to this county you become an American and America is the land of tolerance of inclusion. So, this float should have never been a part of the parade.” “When the mob broke down the mosque back in 1992, people lost their lives, their belongings, that was not something that Muslims took lightly,” Siamwalla said. read the complete article
Tens of thousands of activists prepare protests over Gaza war at Democratic National Convention
Some 40,000 protesters are expected to gather outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Monday to demonstrate against the Biden administration’s position on Israel, with some groups saying they will push for amendments to the party’s platform. The party is on guard for disruptions to high-profile speeches at the DNC, with one pro-Palestinian group called Delegates Against Genocide, angry at US support for Israel’s offensive in Gaza, saying it will press for an arms embargo this week. Delegates Against Genocide said it would exercise its freedom of speech rights during main events at the four-day convention. Its organisers declined to give details, but said they would offer amendments to the party platform and use their rights as delegates to speak on the convention floor. The group wants to include language backing enforcement of laws that ban giving military aid to individuals or security forces that commit gross violations of human rights. read the complete article
‘LITTLE GUANTÁNAMO’ GETS BIGGER
After the call, Noor started researching CMUs. She quickly learned that the units, sometimes called “Little Guantánamo” or “Guantánamo North,” were originally built to house people the federal government alleged had connections to international terrorism. The units, located as separate sections within two federal prisons in Marion, Illinois, and Terre Haute, Indiana, consist of single cells where people are isolated and subjected to intense surveillance and monitoring. People in CMUs have much less access to the outside world because of their status. They have extra limits on visits, phone calls, emails, and even postage mail. They can communicate only with approved contacts, and all communication is meant to be monitored. Hale’s case stands out among the hundreds of others incarcerated in CMUs. The federal government quietly opened the two CMUs in 2006 and 2008 under a cloud of secrecy. There was no public hearing beforehand, and no apparent guidelines on the criteria authorities would use for placement in the units. When the CMUs opened, 70 percent of those incarcerated in them were Muslim men, who made up just six percent of the overall federal prison population at the time. This statistic was so startling that it became a key part of at least two separate lawsuits filed against the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in 2009 and 2010 regarding CMU conditions and due process. Both cases were eventually dismissed because plaintiffs settled out of court or were released from the units, rendering their cases moot. In addition to the critiques of CMUs as an Islamophobic manifestation of the U.S. “War on Terror,” advocates have raised concerns that the units are often used to punish those who have expressed a strong opposition to American foreign policy—as Hale did so publicly. read the complete article