19th June 2017

MEDIA STATEMENT 

London - Terror Attack on Worshippers Outside Mosque

We at Muslim Women's Network UK (MWNUK) are deeply saddened by yet another senseless attack, this time taking place at the Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park, which left one person dead and 10 others injured. We send our condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and our prayers are with those who were injured in this attack.

We hope that in the coming days this attack continues to be labelled as a terrorist attack and is not diminished to a lesser crime and that everyone unequivocally condemns this attack, whether it is the media, government, commentators or our diverse communities.

MWNUK Executive Director, Faeeza Vaid said: "This horrendous attack highlights that terrorists come from the fringes of society who want to create a climate of hate and fear amongst our communities. After each terror attack in the UK and in other European countries, there are spikes in anti-Muslim hate crimes. This latest incident highlights an escalation in the levels of violence, which is not surprising given the levels of unchallenged hate speech against Muslims.  We must not let extremists divide us and therefore welcome the Prime Minister’s statement in which she recognises that there has been far too much tolerance of extremism of any kind including Islamophobia."

This latest incident along with the other recent terror attacks and the fire at Grenfell tower, yet again highlights the fantastic work that emergency services such as the police, fire and NHS, do to help the public and keep them safe. It is therefore important that these services are fully supported and not cut back.

It is important to remain vigilant but united in these current testing times. It is important that all hate crimes are reported so they can be recorded.  The police should be contacted if there is immediate danger. Otherwise reports of hate crimes and other forms of discrimination can also be made to our national MWN helpline on 0800 999 5786.

Ends

For further information contact: 

Shaista Gohir OBE (Chair of MWNUK)

0121 236 9000 / 07802 225989 / contact@mwnuk.co.uk / contact@shaistagohir.com

Faeeza Vaid (ED of MWNUK)

0121 236 9000 / 07535 703567 / contact@mwnuk.co.uk / faeeza@mwnuk.co.uk

Muslim Women's Network UK (www.mwnuk.co.uk) is the national leading Muslim women's charity working to improve the social justice and equality for Muslim women and girls.