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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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25th June 2004
Strictly embargoed until midnight 26th June 2004

PRESS RELEASE: Winners of Islamophobia Awards 2004 announced

The winners of the Islamic Human Rights Commission’s annual ‘Islamophobia Awards’ were announced today ahead of the ceremony to be held in Maida Vale, London Saturday evening.

The award categories are most Islamophobic British politician, Media Personality, International Politician, Media as well as the overall Islamophobe of the year.

Members of the press wishing to obtain the list of nominations and winners need to contact the Press Office on 020 8904 4222 or 07958 607475 or email info@ihrc.org.

This year also sees a special one-off award for outstanding achievement in promoting Islamophobia.

IHRC Chairman Massoud Shadjareh said today:

“It is with great sadness that we reveal this year’s winners. Sadly the competition was extremely tough and we see no signs of this abating in the year to come.

“On a serious note, the harm done by Islamophobia needs to be evaluated in the light of recent history. Before every genocide there has been demonisation, be it the Balkans, Rwanda or Nazi led Europe. We need to break this current cycle before it is too late.”

The ‘Islamophobia Awards’ is IHRC’s annual comedy event aimed at highlighting prevailing prejudices and subverting them using humour. The evening consists of satire, musical entertainment, a fundraising auction, a sumptuous meal and of course the spoof awards themselves.

Press wishing to attend the awards need to register with the Press Office in advance. Please pre-arrange interviews by calling Amirah Ali 07958 607475.

IHRC’s annual Islamophobia Awards will take place this year Saturday 26th June 2004 at the Islamic Centre of England, 140 Maida Vale, London, W9. On street parking is available. Nearest tube station Kilburn Park / Maida Vale (Bakerloo line), British Rail, Kilburn High Road (Euston to Watford Junction).

For more information please contact, awards@ihrc.org or call (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 7958 60 74 75.

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

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org.uk