IHRC is deeply concerned that hateful Islamophobic comments allegedly made by Manchester superintendent will lead to further violence against Muslims.

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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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9 December 2004

Press Release: Superintendent’s comments to “machine gun Muslims” reveal depth of Institutional Islamophobia in Britain

IHRC is deeply concerned that hateful Islamophobic comments allegedly made by a senior police officer in Manchester will lead to further violence against Muslims in Britain. Superintendent David Keller is alleged to have said that the best way to deal with people wanting to enter Manchester for Eid celebrations was for machine guns to be put on the motorway to “shoot them before they get a chance to come into our city centre”.

The spiteful and dangerous comments come at a time when there has been a huge upsurge in the number of violent attacks against Muslims in Britain. Just last week in North London, a 25 year old Iraqi woman had her hijab pulled, was spat upon and was subsequently hit in the face with a toolbox.

IHRC Chairman, Massoud Shadjareh stated:

“At a time when there is much talk about incitement to hatred, Mr Keller’s racist and Islamophobic remarks go far beyond this and into the realm of incitement to violence.”

In June 2004, the Commission for Racial Equality found the Manchester police force to be in breach of numerous race laws. Several of its officers were also caught making racist comments by the BBC’s Secret Policeman programme, aired earlier this year.

IHRC is even more shocked to learn that Mr. Keller, despite the gravity of the allegations, is being supported by the Police Superintendents’ Association.

IHRC Chairman Massoud Shadjareh stated:

“The fact that these vicious comments have been made by a senior police officer, who is being backed by the Police Superintendent’s Association, is indicative of the extent to which Islamophobia has become institutionalised in Britain.”

IHRC demands that Mr. Keller be immediately suspended from the force for the duration of the investigation.

For more information please contact, info@ihrc.org.

Notes for Editors:

1. IHRC has raised concerns regarding about policing issues vis a vis Muslims, including the implementation of anti-terrorist laws.
2. Previous IHRC reports on police related issue include:
‘Muslim Profiling’ which can be downloaded in PDF format from:
https://www.ihrc.org.uk/file/02Aug22_Muslim%20Profiling.pdf

and

‘The Oldham Riots’ available to download in PDF format
https://www.ihrc.org.uk/file/proofThe_Oldham_Riots01_jul_01.pdf

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
info@ihrc.org