Alarming Islamophobic activities on the rise in London.
The Metropolitan Police said the incidents took place between 6 and 25 January 2025 and included anti-Islamic graffiti on the walls of mosques and community centers. Mosques such as Noor al-Islam and Jamia Lytton, next to Noor al-Islam Primary School, were among those targeted in the hateful attacks.
The Stratford Islamic Society, whose mosque was targeted on 23 January, said in a statement: “Our mosque has been part of this community since 1993 and throughout all these years we have experienced the love and respect of our neighbors. Today we have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from people of all backgrounds.”
The statement added: “This despicable and cowardly act only serves to shame the perpetrators. But we will not be intimidated and we will stand together in unity and strength.”
London police said they were investigating the incidents as a series of hate crimes and believed they were linked to a hate group on the Telegram platform. The group is said to have offered rewards of up to £100 to those who carried out the attacks.
Deputy Commissioner of Police John Saul condemned the incidents, saying: “We understand that this series of attacks has caused deep concern among Muslim communities. Hate has no place on our streets and tackling it is at the heart of our efforts to keep all Londoners safe.”
He added that police had increased local patrols in the targeted areas and were in close contact with community leaders to ensure their safety and security.
Islamophobic attacks have increased sharply in the UK, particularly since the country left the European Union. According to the Tel Mama Institute, the number of Islamophobic crimes increased by 30% last year compared to the previous year.
One of the reasons for this increase is the widespread use of social media by hate groups to encourage violent acts against Muslim communities. Extremist groups often use social media to coordinate and promote such acts.
Muslim community leaders and civil society organizations in the UK have called for more serious measures by the government and police to combat Islamophobia and protect religious places. Human rights organizations also emphasize the need to enact stricter laws to deal with online hate speech.
Masoud Shajara, head of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, announced in an interview with IRNA that the British government has allocated three million pounds in funding to secure Jewish centers, but has not allocated any funds to support Islamic organizations. He emphasized: “Muslims in the UK have effectively become second-class citizens.”
Shajra attributed this situation to the spread of a climate of hatred that was exacerbated by politicians and the media, who legitimized Islamophobia and institutionalized it in the country’s culture by enacting laws that directly target Muslims.