The Woolwich murder has sparked a national increase in attacks against Muslims and mosques.
Over 10 mosques have been vandalized, two on the day of the Woolwich attack in Gillingham, Kent and Braintree, Essex. A mosque in Bletchley, Milton Keynes was petrol bombed yesterday and a white male was arrested on suspicion of arson.
Individual cases of physical attacks have also increased up and down the country. Yesterday a Muslim woman was hospitalized when she was attacked from behind by white males on her way home in Bolton.
The EDL have organized demonstrations in Manchester, Newcastle and elsewhere in the north of England as well as the Midlands. They had over 2,000 Facebook “likes” on the day of the Woolwich attack and many have begun following them on Twitter. It would be fair to say that the Woolwich murder has been a social media boost for the EDL.
Undoubtedly the most vulnerable within the Muslim community are the elderly, the women and young children.
5 Pillarz has provided 10 points of advice to safeguard Muslims in the UK from Islamophobic attacks:
1 Do not travel alone even in your local area and even if you live in a Muslim majority community, sporadic attacks by individuals are also possible. Travel in groups.
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2. Men should escort the elderly to the mosque, especially during Maghrib and Isha prayers.
3. Do not send children to the shops late at night and monitor where they are going at all times.
4. For Muslim women who are working night shifts, finishing late or a distance away from home, get someone to pick you up. If you decide to get a taxi, covertly take down the driver and vehicle details.
5. If you’re travelling on public transport (train or bus), sit next to a crowded group or other Muslims. You can choose to sit or stand right next to the bus driver.
6. Avoid walking down alley ways, bridges, isolated stairways, through car parks, parks and low lighted areas.
7. Take a longer route to your destination if shortcuts involve side roads and alley ways. Attacks are less likely on main roads.
8. Mosques must inform the police of any suspicious behaviour from individuals or vehicles. Log every attack, details of time, location take photos and gather witness accounts.
9. Verbal or threatening behaviour should also be logged and reported to the police immediately. Including witness accounts (written or videoed).
10. Report any hate crime to Islamic Human Rights Commission info@ihrc.org (0208 9044222)
Report ALL incidents to the police and be vigilant!
