Imam condemns ‘hateful’ messages

A SENIOR Imam has condemned the “hateful rhetoric” seen in threatening ‘Punish a Muslim Day’ letters, as counter-terrorism police continue to investigate the messages.

The letters, offering points for committing different violent acts against Muslims, were sent to a string of locations across the country this week with five police forces – West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and the Metropolitan Police – all receiving reports about them.

Qari Asim, senior Imam at Leeds’s Makkah Mosque, said the messages have caused alarm in the city.

“There’s no denying that these revolting letters have caused alarm amongst many in the Muslim community,” he said.

“These attempts to divide us represent the very worst of a deplorable anti-Muslim sentiment that has been rearing its head with increasing frequency over the past year.”

Mr Asim, who is also a member of the Government’s Anti-Muslim Hatred Group, said that police across the region have taken the issue seriously.

He added: “It is equally important that those who have received the letters contact the police as all evidence is vital in helping them find, and hold accountable, whoever is responsible for such hateful rhetoric.”

Counter Terrorism Policing North-East is leading the investigation into the messages.

Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams, of West Yorkshire Police, said public safety remains the force’s top priority, in a statement issued yesterday.

Officers have now urged anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of such an offence to contact police on 101, or alternatively call 0800 789 321 in confidence.