'Punish a Muslim' day protests: Hundreds of Brits to unite against Islamophobia as anti-Islamic letters spark hate crime fears

Hundreds of people are expected to gather for solidarity events across Britain in response to a vile letter labelling April 3 2018 "Punish a Muslim Day."

A number of events, organised by anti-racism, faith and community groups, are taking place today in support for the UK’s Muslim communities after the malicious advert for a national day of violence against Muslims was circulated.

At least eight “#DayofSolidarity” events have been organised in London alone, with demonstrations expected to take place in Haringey, Islington, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest on Tuesday.

Police have urged Londoners to unite as thugs threatened a spate of hate crimes on 'Punish a Muslim' day
Twitter

Similar events are also expected to take place in other major cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

A list of the demonstrations, organised by campaign group Stand Up to Racism, happening in London and around the UK can be viewed via this link.

People have also been sharing stories of their solidarity with Muslim communities and offering support for anyone left frightened by the threatening letters since details of it emerged.

Muslim café owner Manzoor Ali, who runs Barakah Foods in Manchester, urged Britain to spread positive messages in the face of the notes.

He told the i newspaper: “It’s astonishing that people want to spread this hate. Even if they’re joking, people latch on to it. The person behind this has lit a match and those sharing it are throwing fuel on the fire.

The business owner added: “There’s a minuscule minority intent on division and this plays into their hands. People on both sides will respond to this.

“I refuse to rise to it. We all need to react with honesty, compassion and love.”

Others showed support on social media, with one woman tweeting: "If you’re a Muslim around Hammersmith/Askew area on Tuesday and you feel unsafe DM me. I’ll be home most of the day and can escort you and offer help."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman told the Standard there is “no credible information” that any hate crimes will happen on Tuesday, but it encouraged local communities to unite in the face of the threats.

The spokesman said: "The Metropolitan Police Service is aware of continuing concerns circulating in the community about some correspondence that has been widely shared on social media.

"At this time there is no credible information to suggest there is any criminal activity that will take place.

"However, we recognise the alarm and distress such messages cause and an investigation led by Counter-Terrorism Policing North-East, and supported by the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, is ongoing to identify those responsible."

He added: "These messages seek to cause fear and mistrust amongst our communities and to divide us. Yet in spite of this our communities have shown strength in their response to such hatred and in their support for each other.

"We will be encouraging local faith and community networks to take part in a ‘#westandtogether’ campaign to demonstrate once again that London is a tolerant city, proud and protective of all its diverse communities and a city the Met is proud to represent."

The letter, which has been received by residents across the country, has caused concern among lawmakers, and an urgent question was raised in the House of Commons about them last month by Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi.

The notes asked recipients to carry out violent acts including verbal abuse, removing a woman’s hijab or head-scarf, physical assault and using acid as a weapon.

These were ranked using a points-based system, with the letter stating: "There will be rewards based on action taken."

Anybody with information about hate crime is urged to contact police via 101 or through twitter @MetCC – in an emergency, phone 999. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously to report crime on 0800 555 111.

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