Girl, 10, afraid to leave house because of sick Punish a Muslim Day campaign
COMMUNITIES UNITE AGAINST RACE HATE Youngster feared she would be targeted by bigots
A SCOTS schoolgirl was afraid to leave the house yesterday because it was “Punish a Muslim Day”.
The vile phrase was coined in anonymous letters circulated last month that suggested people could win “points” for violent acts against Muslims.
MP Jo Swinson said a 10-year-old girl in her East Dunbartonshire constituency feared she would be targeted.
The Lib Dem deputy leader said: “It’s deeply disheartening that a 10-year-old girl is afraid to go outside, just because of her faith.
“The impact of rising bigotry in our country is heartbreaking.
“It’s important that we all send love to Muslim friends and fellow citizens.
“The idea of a Punish a Muslim Day is abhorrent.
“Communities BY DAVID CLEGG Political Editor have shown huge strength in their response to such hatred and in their support for one another.
“The Scottish and UK Governments must ensure that the people behind such appalling behaviour are tracked down and feel the full force of the law.”
Anti-racism campaigners held a protest in Edinburgh to show opposition to the threats. A series of “Love a Muslim Day” events also took place in cities across the UK, including Bradford, Wakefield, Sheffield and Leeds.
Police said there were no substantiated instances of hate crimes linked to the sick campaign.
But fake claims circulated on social media, with one tweet suggesting 10 Muslims were killed yesterday “in the name of Punish a Muslim Day”.
Other tweets claimed “attacks have already begun”.
Speakers at the Stand Up To Islamophobia Day in Edinburgh included the Scottish Trades Union Congress president Satnam Ner. He told the rally: “There is no place for racism, Islamophobia or anti-semitism in our society. We must take action to root out these evils wherever they exist.”
“Often, fear of crime is worse than crime itself, so we have to build confidence in all our communities and work to bring people together.
“The haters will never win. But there is still a great deal of work to do across society to challenge abuse and prejudice.”
SNP Transport Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted: “A number of Muslims have asked me should we be going out on April 3. Hell yes!
“Take precautions you feel necessary but don’t let knuckle-dragging, far-right muppets dictate your life.”
Police are investigating the hate letters.