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Islamic Human Rights Commission

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24 March 2017

Press release – UK: Muslims urged to be vigilant over expected spike in hate crimes

IHRC is calling on Muslims in Britain to be alert and take precautionary measures in anticipation of an increase in racist and Islamophobic attacks following yesterday’s attack in London.

Historically, reprisal attacks targeting Muslims have spiked after such incidents as xenophobes exploit public sentiment to advance their far right agendas.

London Metropolitan Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Rowley said following Wednesday’s attack that the UK’s Muslim communities will “feel anxious at this time given the past experience of extreme right wing groups.”

The precautionary advice includes staying vigilant, not opening suspect packages and reporting suspicious characters and vehicles to the police.

It includes extra advice for women on the basis that with their Islamic clothing they are more visible and often seen as soft targets.

IHRC is also asking those who have experienced harassment, verbal or physical abuse to contact the organisation on research@ihrc.org or by telephoning 020 8904 4222.

The advice can be viewed in full here

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries or further details please email media@ihrc.org or call 020 8904 4222 or 07958 522196[Ends]

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter @ihrc