Muslim leaders across the north have hit out at the ‘false and dangerous narratives’ that has led to several individuals being targeted and their properties vandalised.
The Northern Ireland Muslim Council issued a statement on Thursday condemning the attacks on “hard-working families... having their lives and businesses destroyed unjustly at the hands of ignorance and hatred”.
The statement said much of the violence has been caused by “deliberate mis- and disinformation” on social media.
“The Northern Ireland Muslim Council expresses profound sadness in response to the recent surge of violence and assaults directed at Muslim owned establishments in Belfast and other urban centres.
“Families who have invested their hard work into their businesses are now suffering unjustly at the hands of ignorance and hatred.
“It is disconcerting to witness how extremist factions exploit incidents to propagate hatred and false narratives about the Muslim community. The vast majority of the violence has been whipped up and fuelled by deliberate mis and dis-information on social media,” it said.
“We are aware of a false and dangerous narrative circulating at present, alleging that Muslim gangs are on the streets of Belfast. This information is entirely false and a blatant falsehood that people were armed. Muslims constitute a small minority in Northern Ireland, and these false narratives have seen several individuals targeted and their properties vandalised.
“In light of recent threats, security at the Belfast Islamic Centre has been enhanced, Recently, individuals from diverse backgrounds within the community peacefully gathered outside the centre in response to provocations. It is important to note that no one from the community was wither armed or engaged in any violent behaviour. We as a council, condemn in the strongest terms any kind of violence; this is not in our name.”
Ahead of opposing race demonstrations in the city on Friday they have also called upon the PSNI to to take a strong stance against far-right extremism and ensure the protection of all communities.
“We call upon law enforcement agencies to take a strong stand against the threat of far-right extremist and ensure the safety and protection of all communities,” they added.
“In times like these, it is crucial for us to come together in unity and solidarity.
“We must not allow these divisive acts and information to tear us apart; rather, we must strive towards bridge building and understanding. We urge everyone to embrace diversity and inclusion as the bedrock of a peaceful and harmonious society.”
