MEDIA STATEMENT

Istanbul Airport Attacks - We Must Stand Against Hatred

We at Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) are shocked and angry at the terrorists attacks that took place at the Ataturk International Airport in Turkey. The airport attack which took place on Tuesday 28th June 2016, has so far resulted in 41 deaths including 36 Turkish nationals, 13 them of foreigners and more than 230 hurt. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Turkey's Prime Minister, has said the attack was carried out by Daesh (Islamic State).  We must all do we can to reclaim Islam from extremists who purposefully manipulate religious texts to justify hatred and murder from their own political agendas and in doing so far dishonouring God and Islam. The Qur'an reminds us 'whoever kills a person it is a though they have killed humanity.' (Quran 5:32)

Like other such attacks, British Muslims too are outraged at the killing of innocent civilians. Ataturk International Airport, like Brussels Airport which was attacked earlier this year, is a symbol of international connections and the ties that bind us together.  Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those killed, and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

MWNUK Executive Director, Faeeza Vaid said: "unfortunately, the Istanbul attacks and the recent political events in the UK is likely to result in increased hate crimes, particularly against Muslim women and girls. It is important that these are reported, whether to the police, to Tell Mama, or to us at the MWN Helpline." The MWN Helpline is open Monday-Friday 10am-1pm. You can call us on 0800 999 5786.

 Notes to the editors

 1.About US

 Muslim Women's Network UK is a national charity that works to improve social justice and equality for Muslim for Muslim women and girls and operate a national helpline. We find out about their experiences through research and helpline enquiries and produce resources, deliver campaigns and conduct advocacy work, regularly engaging with government.

MWNUK organisational website: www.mwnuk.co.uk

MWMN Helpline website: www.mwnhelpline.co.uk

MWN Helpline contact info: 0800 999 5786 / 0303 999 5786 / info@helpline.co.uk

 2 Media contacts

 Media spokespeople from Muslim Women's Network UK are:

 Faeeza Vaid, MWNUK Executive Director - 07535 703567 / faeeza@mwnuk.co.uk

 Shaista Gohir OBE, MWNUK Chair - 07802 225989 / contact@shaistagohir.com

 Mussurrut Zia, General Secretary - 07967 655063 / mussurut@yahoo.co.uk