News

No place for hate in Newham!

Newham unites in solidarity after Stratford Mosque is targeted with racist and Islamophobic vandalism.

PHOTO: More than 60 people gathered in Newham to protest against the racist acts.  
Credit: Socialist Worker

There have been demonstrations and acts of solidarity across Newham after Stratford Mosque was one of several in London targeted with racist and Islamaphobic messages last week.  

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: ” To do this to a place of worship building is nauseating and rightly should be condemned.  As soon as the Council was alerted by the police, officers rapidly moved to remove the offensive word. As the criminal investigation continues to find the perpetrators of this hate crime, the police are increasing patrols in the area with the support of the Council’s Community Safety teams who are providing dedicated patrols today, including a dedicated patrol car to visit all mosques in our Borough as part of our reassurance to our Muslim communities; and our CCTV operators will be undertaking extra vigilance as well.

She added: “I understand that this hate crime will have made many members of our valued faith communities anxious and concerned, and that is why I have written to faith leaders in Newham to reassure them that we are taking this incident very seriously.  Islamophobia will not be tolerated in our Borough and there is no place for hate in Newham – or anywhere in this world. “

Stratford Islamic Association, rhe charity that runs the mosque, said it was heartened by the outpouring of support from the local community after the vandalism. 

A spokesperson told Sky News: “Those responsible for this act of hate have shamed only themselves. This is not an act of faith – it’s an act of cowardice. But they will not intimidate us. We will not live in fear. Together, as a united community, we will stand strong.”


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