PNN – Crimes related to Islamophobia in England, based on the latest statistics of the Ministry of Interior and the reports of independent institutions monitoring religious discrimination have been increasing at an alarming rate and have led to the intensification of the atmosphere of hatred towards Muslims living in this country.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the annual report of the British Ministry of Interior (Home Office) shows that there has been an alarming growth in hate crimes based on religion in this country. Nearly 42% of the total crimes recorded in this area have been committed against Muslims, which shows an increase of 18-20% compared to last year.
These statistics include cases of insults and verbal attacks in public places, online harassment, and destruction of property belonging to Muslims and religious centers, and even physical attacks.
Tell MAMA, a non-governmental organization that monitors and records Islamophobic incidents, has announced in its latest report that the number of verbal and threatening attacks on cyberspace has increased by about 30% over the past year.
This organization has stated on its website that many of these incidents have been reported on social networks such as Facebook, X (former Twitter), Instagram and TikTok, and due to the anonymous or fake nature of user accounts, it is difficult for the British police and judicial system to identify and deal with the perpetrators.
On the other hand, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) also emphasizes in its latest survey published on its official website that England is facing more serious challenges in the field of increasing Islamophobia among European countries.
In this survey, more than 75% of Muslim respondents stated that they faced discrimination or offensive behavior at least once in the last year. 40% have also admitted that these behaviors were so serious that it intensified their feeling of personal insecurity.
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The roots of the escalation of Islamophobia
Sociologists and civil activists consider several factors involved in the spread of Islamophobia in England. One of these factors is the inflammatory atmosphere that has been formed following the directional comments of some politicians and the one-sided coverage of the media.
Due to the political sensitivities of recent years, including Brexit and immigration tensions in Europe, some extremist groups and populist currents have tried to take advantage of anti-foreign and xenophobic feelings. This advertising environment often places Muslims in the center of verbal and advertising attacks and makes them appear as a “dangerous” element.
Also, unfair media coverage of terrorist incidents in different parts of the world has fueled negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims.
Some television channels and newspapers, with controversial headlines and one-sided images, create this mindset in public opinion that Muslims are a potential threat to national security and Western values.
Last summer’s demonstrations are among other cases that can be considered as the consequences of Islamophobia in England. Last August, members of far-right groups held violent demonstrations in various British cities following the alleged murder of three little girls by a Muslim teenager, the increase in the presence of immigrants and what they called a “threat to national values”.
The participants in these gatherings chanted slogans with anti-Islamic themes and held placards that identified Muslims as “alien” or “potential danger”.
Concrete consequences of Islamophobia on the lives of Muslims
The spread of Islamophobia has had profound effects on the daily life of British Muslims. Many of them, especially women with hijab, feel insecure and unaccepted in public places and workplaces.
According to the report of “Tel Mama” Institute, there have been many cases of open discrimination in the workplace, such that some employers refuse to hire Muslims because of hijab or Islamic appearance. This problem not only reduces the chances of employment for qualified people, but it has also led to a sense of injustice and dissatisfaction in the Muslim community.
There is no better situation in schools. According to reports published on the website of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, a significant part of Muslim students, even at a young age, have faced harassment from classmates or teachers’ indifference to existing discrimination. These conditions have reduced students’ self-confidence and exposed them to mental and emotional problems.
The role of politicians’ comments in creating an atmosphere of hatred
In examining the main causes of the escalation of Islamophobia, we cannot ignore the impact of the statements of some English politicians.
According to many researchers and civil organizations, divisive statements or hostile positions towards immigrants and Muslims by well-known political figures have fueled the escalation of social tensions.
For example, during election contests or parliamentary debates about immigration policies, some representatives and political figures divided the society with negative words and baseless accusations against Muslims.
Former British Communities Secretary Michael Gove called “political Islam” a virus earlier in a roundtable on extremism and avoided answering questions about accepting the definition of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party.
At the same time, civil institutions, mosques, inter-religious organizations and student groups have started extensive activities to create culture and confront Islamophobia.
For example, the British Muslim Council implements a plan called “Visit my mosque” every year, according to which, Islamic centers under the cover of this Islamic institution organize programs with the aim of familiarizing citizens with the fundamental concepts of Islam and correcting negative stereotypes.
Some non-governmental organizations have also created networks to support the victims of Islamophobia.
For example, in addition to providing legal and psychological assistance to victims, “Tel Mama” provides information about the general trends of Islamophobia to researchers and the media. Through awareness campaigns and legal activities, the Islamic Human Rights Commission tries to improve the society’s attitude towards the necessity of respecting religious diversity.
The future of Islamophobia in Britain
Examining the statistics and reports provided by the British Ministry of Interior and organizations active in the field of combating religious discrimination, shows that Islamophobia in England has reached alarming dimensions.
The atmosphere of hatred caused by the directional comments of some politicians and the one-sided or biased coverage of the media has practically led to the creation of a suitable platform for the growth of verbal and physical threats, attacks and insults against the Muslim community.
Successive governments in England have made claims about the implementation of plans to combat this problem, but the situation has not only gotten better, but worse. Many Muslims still face discrimination and suspicion in work, education and everyday life.
The representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in England said: Since two decades ago, not only the people of England but also Western societies in general faced a phenomenon that has cast its ominous and heavy shadow on everyone, both Muslims and non-Muslims.